What it is for:Dot voting is a quick way for a group to show which options it prefers. You walk away with a shortlist of options, the reasons the group favours them, and a written record of objections and overlooked ideas.
Who it helps:Facilitators and decision owners with 8 to 30 options on the wall who want every view counted, not only the most confident.
When to use it
You have 8 to 30 options on the wall and need to shortlist a few for deeper work.
Time is short and you want everyone's view, not only the most confident voices.
After a brainstorm, design studio or affinity grouping, to see which themes or ideas the group wants to pursue.
How to use it
Write the one question the dots answer above the options.
Tidy and number the options, and give everyone the same number of dots.
Vote silently and at the same time, with senior people voting last.
Read the pattern aloud and ask a few voters why.
Record minority objections, then let the decision owner say what moves forward and why.
Tip:Use one colour of dot for everyone. Different colours by role can be useful, but they can also invite people to compare groups.
Credits and sources:Original Tiremesù worksheet and wording. Further reading: 18F Methods https://github.com/18F/methods/tree/main/_methods
Full guide and film:https://www.tiremesu.com/guides/dot-voting
