What is it?
This is when we meet with stakeholders and ask open ended questions so that the person is able to have the space and time to explore the idea.
Why use this technique?
This enables you to gather rich data rather than simple. For example;
Simple data: The bus system in town is fine. I use it a couple of times a week to go to the market.
Rich data: The bus system in town in fine. I use it a couple of times a week to go to the shops because we only have one car in our family and my wife needs it to get to her job which is further out of town. However, this means I have to get up earlier in the morning to catch the bus. Sometimes it says it is going to come at 8:40am but it is not reliable, so I have to make sure I get there by 8:25am just to be sure I catch it. The next one doesn’t come until 9:10 and that is too late. In the winter I really hate standing there in the cold but what can you do?
What does an appreciative inquiry meeting look like?
An appreciative inquiry meeting allows the stakeholder the time to think about and explore the idea, the officer leading the inquiry should be active listening and asking open questions to ensure they gather rich data.
Who is involved?
An appreciative inquiry meeting would be between a council officer and community member.
What skills are required?
Strong facilitation skills which include the ability to ensure all participants have the time and space to explore their thoughts; although you may have a plan for the meeting being able to be flexible and adaptable is necessary to ensure you are active listening to the participant.
Example questions
- Tell me more about that?
- How did that make you feel?
- Can you give me an example?
-
The Scottish Approach to Service Design
The vision for the Scottish Approach to Service Design is that the people of Scotland are supported and empowered to actively participate in the definition, design and delivery of their public services (from policy making to live service improvement).
-
The Double Diamond (Design Council)
The Double Diamond is a visual representation of the design and innovation process. It’s a simple way to describe the steps taken in any design and innovation project, irrespective of methods and tools used.