Spider Diagram
The Spider Diagram method provides a visual way to collect feedback on various aspects of a meeting, workshop, or project. Setup involves drawing a large circle with spokes representing different aspects to evaluate. Participants use markers to place dots along each spoke, indicating their satisfaction or approval level, with marks closer to the center indicating higher satisfaction. After all participants have added their marks, the facilitator leads a discussion to review the diagram as a group, pointing out strengths and areas for improvement. This method works well for gathering quick visual feedback, demonstrating group consensus or diversity of opinion, and fostering group discussions based on visual data. To ensure accessibility, use a visible flipchart or whiteboard and consider creating a floor diagram only if all participants can comfortably participate.
Steps:
Setup:
On a flipchart or whiteboard, draw a large circle. Around the outside of this circle, write different aspects or components of the meeting or workshop you want to evaluate. These might include topics like "Engagement," "Content Relevance," "Pacing," "Interactive Opportunities," and so forth.
Draw radii from the center of the circle to each label, creating several spokes.
Connect these radii by drawing concentric circles around the center, creating a web-like structure.
Introduction to the Diagram:
Explain the purpose of the Spider Diagram to participants: it’s a tool to visually collect feedback on various aspects of the current session or overall project.
Describe how to provide feedback: participants will place a mark along each radius to indicate their satisfaction or approval level, with marks closer to the center indicating higher satisfaction.
Feedback Collection:
Distribute different colored markers to participants. Each participant approaches the diagram and places a dot along the spokes based on their personal assessment for each aspect.
Optionally, if space allows, create a life-sized version of the diagram on the floor using masking tape. Participants can stand at the points along the taped radii that correspond to their ratings.
Discussion of Results:
Once all participants have added their marks, step back and review the diagram as a group. The facilitator leads this discussion, pointing out areas with high marks (indicating strengths) and areas with lower marks (indicating opportunities for improvement).
Encourage participants to share their thoughts on why they rated some aspects higher or lower, fostering a group discussion that can lead to actionable insights.
Summary and Next Steps:
Summarize the key findings from the Spider Diagram and discuss any surprising patterns or unanimous areas.
Use the feedback to plan improvements for subsequent sessions or future projects.
Duration:
Approximately 20-30 minutes
Group Size:
Suitable for small to medium-sized groups.
Materials/Resources Needed:
A large flipchart or a whiteboard
Markers in various colors
Optional: Masking tape if you choose to create a large-scale diagram on the floor
Accessibility Considerations:
Ensure that the flipchart or whiteboard is visible to all participants.
For a floor diagram, ensure that the space is accessible to everyone, including those with mobility aids.
Tips/Pointers:
Use this tool not just for evaluating a single event, but also for tracking progress over time. Conducting this exercise at different stages of a project can show how perceptions and satisfactions change.
Ensure that participants understand each category on the diagram clearly before they begin marking their feedback.
Works well for Quick visual feedback on multiple aspects of a session, visually demonstrating group consensus or diversity of opinion, and fostering group discussions based on visual data.
If using the method on the floor, consider the physical comfort and mobility of all participants, ensuring everyone can participate without difficulty.