Participatory Budgeting

Impact and feasibility scale

The Impact and feasibility scale is a participatory activity designed to evaluate proposals or ideas based on their potential impact and ease of implementation (feasibility). Using a visual framework, participants position proposals on a matrix to prioritize those with the greatest benefit and feasibility, facilitating informed and strategic decision-making.

Duration
From 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the number of proposals and participants.
Participants
From 6 to 20 people, to ensure a manageable and diverse discussion.
Impact and feasibility scale

Preparation

01 · Define the objective
    02 · Gather proposals
      03 · Prepare materials
      • Draw a matrix on large paper, a whiteboard, or a digital tool with two axes: Impact (from low to high). Feasibility (from difficult to easy).
      • Impact (from low to high).
      • Feasibility (from difficult to easy).
      • Prepare cards or sticky notes for each proposal.

      Step-by-step instructions

      1

      Introduction to the activity

      • Explain the purpose and how the matrix helps prioritize proposals.
      • Define key concepts:
        • Impact: The level of benefit or positive change the proposal generates.
        • Feasibility: The ease of implementation, considering resources, time, and capacities.
      2

      Presentation of proposals

      • Read and briefly discuss each proposal with the group to ensure everyone understands them.
      • Distribute the cards or sticky notes with the proposals written on them.
      3

      Collaborative construction of the matrix

      • Invite participants to position each proposal on the matrix based on their perception of its impact and feasibility.
      • Facilitate dialogue to reach consensus on the placement of proposals in cases of disagreement.
      4

      Analysis of results

      • Observe and reflect with the group on the distribution of the proposals:
        • Which proposals fall into the high-impact and high-feasibility quadrant?
        • What should be done with proposals of low impact or low feasibility?
      • Classify proposals by priority:
        • High priority: High impact and high feasibility.
        • Strategic challenges: High impact but low feasibility.
        • Quick actions: Low impact but high feasibility.
      5

      Define actions

      • Design strategies to implement the high-priority proposals.
      • Discuss ways to overcome feasibility barriers for high-impact proposals.
      6

      Closure and documentation

      • Summarize key conclusions and prioritize next steps.
      • Document the results of the matrix and the proposed strategies.

      Materials

      Large paper or whiteboards to draw the matrix
      Colored markers
      Cards or sticky notes for the proposals
      Digital tools

      Platforms

      For virtual sessions or collaborative documentation.

      Practical recommendations

      Clarity in criteria

      Ensure all participants understand what impact and feasibility mean in the specific context.

      Active facilitation

      Mediate in cases of disagreement and encourage dialogue to reach consensus.

      Documentation

      Save photos or screenshots of the final result for future reference.

      Adaptability

      If there are many proposals, pre-select a representative set.

      Inspiration

      Interactive examples