Dot Voting
A quick read of preference and concern
- PhaseSelect
- Group4 to 30 people
- Time15 minutes
- SettingRoom or remote
- ExecutivesYes
What it is
Dot voting is a quick read of preference and concern. Each person has three dots for the ideas they favour and one worry dot, in a different colour, for the idea that concerns them most. Everyone votes silently and at the same time.
When to use it
When there are many options and the group needs a fast signal about which ones to discuss.
When to skip it
As the final decision, or when the choice depends on risk. Use a placement or a matrix.
How to run it
- 3 minExplain the options and the question the vote answers.
- 2 minGive each person three dots, and one dot of a different colour for “this worries me”.
- 5 minVote silently, all at the same time.
- 5 minRead the result. Discuss the outliers and every worry dot.
About 15 minutes of method time. Add ten to fifteen minutes to open and close the session.
What to watch for
Votes treated as the decision. People copying each other’s dots. Votes that hide concern.
The AI lens
The worry dot makes concern visible. An idea with many votes and many worry dots needs a conversation about trust, not a quick yes.
What you leave with
A read of preference and a list of concerns, to guide the decision.
An example
After a brainstorm, twelve people vote on twenty cards. The worry dots show that two of the most popular ideas also worry many people, which is worth discussing before anything is chosen.
How it compares
Dot Voting is fast and shows sentiment. A Decision Criteria Matrix is slower and shows reasons. Do not use a vote as the final decision when the choice is risky.
Related methods
Questions
What is Dot Voting?
Dot voting is a quick read of preference and concern. Each person has three dots for the ideas they favour and one worry dot, in a different colour, for the idea that concerns them most. Everyone votes silently and at the same time.
When should I use Dot Voting?
When there are many options and the group needs a fast signal about which ones to discuss.
How long does Dot Voting take and how many people do I need?
Dot Voting takes about 15 minutes and suits 4 to 30 people, plus a facilitator. Add ten to fifteen minutes to open and close the session.
How is Dot Voting different from other methods?
Dot Voting is fast and shows sentiment. A Decision Criteria Matrix is slower and shows reasons. Do not use a vote as the final decision when the choice is risky.
Can I run Dot Voting remotely or with executives?
Yes. Dot Voting works in the room or remotely. Remotely, put the canvas on a shared board in advance and write silently in the board, not in chat. Executives: Yes, works with executives present.