Participatory Methods
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Participatory InteractionParticipatory Planning

Now, Next, Later

Now, Next, Later
Duration
From 10 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of tasks or ideas to classify and the format used.
Participants
From 5 to 15 people, to encourage collaboration without complicating the discussion.
Areas of application
Desarrollo comunitarioGestión organizacional y empresarialPlanificación urbana y ruralSalud y bienestar socialSostenibilidad y medio ambientePolíticas públicas y gobernanzaInnovación y diseñoResolución de conflictosTecnología y entornos digitalesParticipación ciudadana y social
Participation level
ColaboraciónEmpoderamientoGeneración de conocimiento
Target audience
Líderes comunitariosONGs y colectivos socialesEquipos empresarialesFuncionarios públicosDiseñadores creativos
Now, Next, Later is a visual and collaborative methodology for organizing tasks, ideas, or projects based on their temporal priority. It helps teams or individuals focus on what needs immediate attention (Now), what can wait a little (Next), and what is planned for the more distant future (Later). This activity promotes clarity, focus, and strategic action.

Preparation

  1. Define the purpose:
    • Establish the goal: Planning a project? Prioritizing pending tasks? Organizing team or group ideas?
  2. Prepare materials:
    • Physical format:
      • Three columns labeled Now, Next, Later.
      • Sticky notes or index cards to record tasks or ideas.
    • Digital format:
      • Use digital tools with predefined column templates.
  3. Establish priority criteria:
    • Now: Immediate actions, urgent tasks, or those with the highest impact.
    • Next: Important activities that are not urgent but need to be done soon.
    • Later: Ideas or tasks that are lower priority or planned for the future.
  4. Organize the space:
    • Set up an area where participants can collaborate easily to classify tasks or ideas.

Step-by-step Instructions

  1. Introduce the purpose
    • Explain that the goal is to organize tasks or ideas based on their temporal priority.
    • Present the three categories and how the methodology will be used for planning actions.
  2. Generate tasks or ideas
    • Ask participants to write tasks, projects, or ideas on sticky notes or index cards.
    • If there is already a task list, review it as a group to ensure understanding.
  3. Classify into columns
    • Participants take turns placing each task or idea in one of the three columns (Now, Next, Later).
    • Facilitate discussions if there are uncertainties or disagreements about classification.
  4. Review and adjust
    • Go through the columns as a group to ensure all tasks are correctly categorized based on the established criteria.
  5. Define concrete actions
    • For Now tasks, assign responsibilities and set immediate deadlines.
    • For Next tasks, define an approximate timeline and any necessary preparatory steps.
    • For Later tasks, plan periodic reviews to adjust priorities as needed.
  6. Closure and reflection
    • Summarize key decisions and emphasize the importance of prioritization for effective progress.

Purpose

The purpose of Now, Next, Later is to facilitate collaborative and structured prioritization, helping participants focus their efforts on what is most important at the right time.

Required materials

  • Sticky notes or index cards to record ideas.
  • Whiteboard, flip chart, or digital tools to create the columns.
  • Markers or pens for writing.

Platforms

Practical recommendations

  • Clarify criteria: Ensure everyone understands what each category means.
  • Encourage consensus: Facilitate discussions if doubts or disagreements arise.
  • Document decisions: Save the final outcome for implementation and future review.
  • Follow up: Regularly review tasks in each category to adjust priorities as needed.