Experience design
When you’re designing an experience, make the time to experience the design.
It’s easy for facilitators to get carried away when designing a workshop. I’ve got a vivid imagination and come up with all sorts of ideas – do you?
But my conviction may not be enough when it comes to getting them across the line with my client. And I want more than their support. I hope that they’ll own it. It is their workshop after all.
So, I invite them to experience what we’re asking a group of participants to do – in my case, ‘the community’.
Ask them to take off their work hat, and imagine that they are at the workshop, not as a technical expert or policy maker, but as a member of the community. This shouldn’t be that hard – we all are part of the community.
Ask them exactly the same questions, give them exactly the same instructions that you’ve planned for the community.
Recently, I asked some technical experts to draw what they would show a visitor to their area. What three things would they show them and what would they avoid.
It’s not just testing out the process or checking the timing. Experiencing the process can reveal some profound insights. As one person said:
“I could feel the emotion when Bronwyn talked us through her drawing. I felt like I was walking around her area with her.”
The act of drawing is a welcome shift of gears in a meeting. It draws on the right-hand side of your brain and helps you to show what you think about a topic. It’s particularly helpful if the topic is intangible and hard to grasp.
But I didn’t have to argue the case for using drawing in a workshop. It was there for all to see, and experience.
It’s the experience of exploring new ways of seeing that participants say they also appreciate in my #Facilitagraphy Walkshops.
“It’s fascinating how the photography exercises made me see Melbourne, a city I know so well, in new ways.”
“What a great way to lead people to the questions that need to be asked, not just asking it.”
“Loved the quirky venue. Stepping through the door is like stepping into another world. It’s all part of the experience.”
Many are keen to learn how to use my process in their own workshops. But that can only come after they experience it themselves.
When you’re designing an experience for others, take the time to experience it yourself.
In this week’s #Facilitography exercise, take a photo every day in your local area. Every day for one week. Share it on Instagram or Facebook and tag it #Facilitography.
📷 Photograph something different every day What do you choose to photograph? What do you avoid?
📷 Photograph the same thing or spot, but at different times.
When you reflect back on your week’s photos, ask yourself: how might you use this experience with the groups you facilitate?
Curious to try more? Come to my introduction to #Facilitography Walkshop. There are a few spots left for the next one on Weds 12 February. Details below.
If you’d like to work together, here are 3 ways to get started:
1. Join me for an introduction to #Facilitography in the heart of Melbourne, 5.30pm – 7pm, every fortnight:
☐ 12 & 26 February
☐ 11 & 25 March
Details and book
2. Get a copy of my Insights Paper, Read the room like a street photographer
It’s about why reading the room is vital for productive conversations and how to get better at reading the room with the help of your phone. Comment below and I’ll send it to you.
3. Want to run through your workshop design with me?
Comment below and we'll book a time.