Participatory Evaluation

Traffic Light Activity

The Traffic Light Activity is a visual and participatory tool that uses traffic light colors (green, yellow, and red) to evaluate the progress, results, and challenges of a project or initiative. Participants reflect on what is working well, what requires attention, and what needs immediate adjustment, promoting rapid and collaborative analysis.

Duration
From 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of participants and level of analysis.
Participants
From 6 to 20 people, to facilitate an active and manageable discussion.
Traffic Light Activity

Preparation

01 · Define the purpose
    02 · Prepare materials
    • Cards or sticky notes in green, yellow, and red.
    • A board, whiteboard, or large paper divided into sections for each color.
    • Optional: a traffic light template drawn or printed in advance.
    03 · Formulate questions
    • "What aspects are working well?"
    • "What requires attention or minor adjustments?"
    • "What needs urgent intervention?"

    Step-by-step instructions

    1

    Introduction

    • Explain the purpose of the activity and the meaning of each color:
      • Green: Aspects that are working well and should be maintained.
      • Yellow: Elements that require attention or improvement.
      • Red: Critical issues that need immediate intervention.
    • Share examples to clarify each category.
    2

    Individual or group brainstorm

    • Ask participants to reflect on the aspects to be evaluated (e.g., objectives, activities, processes).
    • Distribute the colored sticky notes and ask participants to write one idea or reflection per card.
    3

    Placing notes on the traffic light

    • Invite participants to place their notes in the corresponding section of the traffic light (green, yellow, or red).
    4

    Collective analysis

    • Review each section of the traffic light together with the group:
      • Why is this aspect in the green/yellow/red section?
      • Is there consensus on the classification?
      • What connections or patterns can be observed?
    5

    Action proposals

    • For each section, discuss and document:
      • Green: How can these aspects be maintained or strengthened?
      • Yellow: What specific adjustments are needed?
      • Red: What urgent actions can be taken to address these issues?
    6

    Closure and follow-up

    • Summarize the main conclusions and prioritize the identified actions.
    • Assign responsible parties and deadlines for the necessary interventions, especially in red areas.

    Materials

    Sticky notes or cards in green, yellow, and red.
    A board, whiteboard, or large paper to represent the traffic light.
    Digital tools

    Platforms

    For virtual sessions or collaborative documentation.

    Practical recommendations

    Clear criteria

    Make sure participants understand the meaning of each color and the key questions.

    Active facilitation

    Promote dialogue to clarify ideas and reach consensus.

    Documentation

    Record the notes and conclusions to monitor progress in the future.

    Flexibility

    Adapt the colors or categories to the group's needs.

    Inspiration

    Interactive examples