id: dot-voting
title: Dot Voting
description: >-
  A quick visual method for a group to prioritize options together using
  adhesive dots on a shared display.
source: Group Works Deck
source_url: https://groupworksdeck.org/deck
tags: [decision, facilitation]
forked_from: null
image: null
steps:
  - headline: Post the options
    description: >-
      All options are written on a shared wall or board, spaced apart for
      easy voting.
  - headline: Distribute dots
    description: >-
      Each person receives a fixed number of adhesive dots (typically 3-5).
      They may place multiple dots on one option.
  - headline: Vote silently
    description: >-
      Everyone places their dots simultaneously. No discussion during
      voting.
  - headline: Review results
    description: >-
      The group reviews the dot distribution together. High-vote items
      become priorities, but the pattern matters more than the count.
outcome: >-
  The group has a visual map of collective priorities. Everyone
  participated equally, and the result is transparent.
practice: >-
  Use different colored dots for different categories of voter (e.g.,
  staff vs. volunteers) to see patterns. Photograph the result before
  taking it down.