Participatory Methods
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Wheel of common interests

Wheel of common interests
Duration
From 10 to 60 minutes, depending on the group size, format, and follow-up activity.
Participants
From 10 to 30 people, though it can be adapted for larger groups by dividing them into smaller circles.
Areas of application
Educación y formaciónDesarrollo comunitarioGestión organizacional y empresarialPlanificación urbana y ruralSalud y bienestar socialArte, cultura y creatividadSostenibilidad y medio ambientePolíticas públicas y gobernanzaResolución de conflictosParticipación ciudadana y social
Participation level
ColaboraciónEmpoderamientoIntercambio de perspectivas
Target audience
EducadoresFacilitadoresEstudiantesLíderes comunitariosONGs y colectivos socialesEquipos empresarialesFuncionarios públicosDiseñadores creativosInvestigadores
Wheel of common interests is a participatory activity designed to foster connections among participants by identifying shared hobbies, interests, or activities. Participants form a circle, share something they are passionate about, and find others with similar interests. Based on these commonalities, they engage in a group activity to deepen their connections.

Preparation

  1. Define the purpose:
    • Do you want to break the ice, encourage teamwork, or strengthen group cohesion?
  2. Set up the space:
    • If in person, organize a large area where participants can form a big circle.
    • If virtual, use a gallery-view tool (such as Zoom) to facilitate interaction.
  3. Optional materials:
    • Cards for participants to write down their interests.
    • Whiteboards or panels to visualize groups with similar interests.
  4. Design a follow-up activity:
    • Prepare additional activities for subgroups based on identified interests (e.g., a project, discussion, or creative task).

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Introduction to the purpose
    • Explain that the activity will help identify shared interests and create connections among participants.
  2. Forming the circle and sharing interests
    • Each participant briefly shares an interest or hobby (e.g., "I love photography," or "I enjoy reading science fiction").
    • As they listen, others identify if they share that interest and mention it.
  3. Grouping by common interests
    • Facilitate the formation of small groups (3-5 people) based on shared interests. If someone has a unique interest, they can join a group that interests them.
  4. Group activity related to common interests
    • Each group engages in a short activity to explore their shared interest. Examples:
      • Photography: Design an idea for a themed photoshoot.
      • Reading: Share favorite books and create a mini-group recommendation list.
      • Sports: Plan a simple game or physical activity they could do together.
      • Music: Create a collaborative playlist based on their favorite genres or artists.
      • Cooking: Discuss recipes or ideas for a themed menu.
  5. Group presentations
    • Each group briefly presents their activity results to the rest of the circle.
  6. Group reflection
    • Facilitate a discussion about the experience:
      • What surprised them about discovering shared interests?
      • What did they learn from others' interests?
      • How could these connections enrich future group activities?

Purpose

The purpose of the Wheel of Common Interests is to foster personal connections, identify shared interests among participants, and use these commonalities as a foundation for collaborative work and group cohesion.

Required materials

  • Paper or cards for writing interests (optional).
  • Whiteboards or visual spaces to organize shared interests.
  • Materials related to follow-up activities (markers, paper, electronic devices, etc.).

Platforms

Practical recommendations

  • Inspire creativity: Provide examples of interests to help participants identify their own more easily.
  • Promote inclusion: Ensure that all participants have a space to express themselves.
  • Connect individual interests: Facilitate the formation of subgroups to explore affinities more deeply.
  • Document the experience: Save the activity outcomes (lists of interests, photos of whiteboards, etc.) for future reference.

Inspiration

Categories for Grouping Interests
  • Arts & Creativity: Painting, writing, photography, graphic design, crafts.
  • Sports & Physical Activities: Soccer, yoga, hiking, swimming, cycling.
  • Music & Entertainment: Listening to specific genres (jazz, rock), playing instruments, singing, attending concerts.
  • Reading & Writing: Fiction novels, poetry, essays, creative writing, self-help books.
  • Technology & Video Games: Programming, gadgets, virtual reality, multiplayer games, app design.
  • Science & Exploration: Astronomy, home experiments, science documentaries, creative recycling.
  • Culture & Travel: Visiting museums, learning languages, exploring exotic destinations, discovering local traditions.
  • Gastronomy: Cooking international recipes, baking, wine tasting, exploring local restaurants.
  • Nature & Environment: Gardening, composting, birdwatching, environmental clean-up campaigns.
  • Relaxation & Wellness: Meditation, mindfulness, spas, personal care routines.
  • History & Politics: Historical discussions, activism, current events analysis, reading about historical figures.
  • DIY Projects: Woodworking, furniture restoration, customizing clothing, home improvement.
  • Fashion & Personal Style: Fashion design, trends, sustainable fashion, handmade accessories.
  • Entrepreneurship & Business: Startups, digital marketing, investment, strategy creation.
  • Animals & Pets: Animal care, volunteering at shelters, training, pet stories.
  • Movies & Series: Classic films, popular series, independent cinema, film festivals.
  • Spirituality & Personal Growth: Spiritual practices, tarot, spiritual yoga, self-improvement.
  • Collecting Hobbies: Collecting coins, stamps, comics, vintage items.
  • Board Games & Strategy: Chess, Monopoly, role-playing games, cooperative games.
  • Social Causes: Gender equality, human rights, sustainability, community education.