Extension to Communities

Tips For Storyboarding

Storyboarding is a technique used to organize and visually display information. Storyboarding can take many different forms. Our example here uses storyboarding to enhance the nominal group process to visually solve a problem as a team.

Storyboarding is used in this application to:

stimulate divergent thinking
visually display information
organize judgmental problem solving
develop team consensus
generate a plan of action

What is Needed

Storyboarding works best with a small group of people - - 5 to 8 people. It can be used with large groups that are divided into smaller groups. It requires a quiet, comfortable room without outside distractions. The room must have clear walls so papers and cards of all sizes and shapes can be taped to them. It takes a lot of wall space! Also key to the storyboarding process is a skilled facilitator that the group recognizes as being fair and unbiased.

You will need a large quantity of cards or heavy paper in many sizes and colors, a couple of rolls of masking tape, and enough marking pens for everyone.

Storyboarding Steps

State the Problem. The group facilitator begins by clearly and concisely stating the problem and the objectives to be accomplished.
Brainstorm and Post all Ideas. Participants work quietly by themselves writing down possible solutions to the stated problem. Each idea is written in large letters on a separate card or piece of paper. As in brainstorming, the quantity of ideas is what is important at this stage in the process. The group facilitator will pick up the cards/papers and tape them to the wall. This should be quiet time with no discussion or talking. (approximately 10 minutes)
Share Ideas. Participants talk about what they have written on the cards. This discussion should generate more ideas. Encourage group thinking.
Review Each Card for Meaning. After the brainstorming period, participants should take a few minutes to look at all of the items posted on the wall. Participants can ask for clarification on any item that is unclear. It is important that the group understands the meaning of every card.
Sorting By Content. If your group is large enough (more than 10 people), make two groups out of it. In total silence, Group A will go to the wall and begin sorting and grouping the items of similar content for 5 minutes. Group B watches without commenting. After 5 minutes, Group A sits down and Group B goes to the wall and continues the silent sorting and clustering. They can move, rearrange, or make any changes that they feel are warranted. Group A watches in silence. This process may be repeated if it appears that the sorting process has not come to a natural end. (5 minutes each group)
"Header Cards" Added. Each group is given several "header cards" that are larger (and a different color) than the idea cards previously used. Group A has 3 to 5 minutes to create header cards. Again, this is done in silence. Group A can continue to move and rearrange any of the cards on the wall. Group B silently watches. After about 5 minutes, Group A sits down and Group B goes to the wall to continue making header labels. Group B can change anything that Group A did. Group A watches in silence.
Total Group Discusses the Groupings. After the header cards are placed on the wall, the facilitator should ask the group how they feel about the headings and the content. There may be a need to break some of the topics into smaller sub-topics with subtitles. If necessary, Group A and Group B can create the sub-topics in turn.
"Symptoms" vs. "Causes." Once the group feels comfortable with the way the cards are sorted, they should step back and consider what they have identified as key issues or ideas. Sound decision making is based on identifying the root "causes" of the problem, not "symptoms" of the problem. The focus should be on the factors that are actually responsible for creating the original problem. The group may want to add, rewrite, or rearrange the cards to more accurately focus on the root causes.
Vote for Consensus. The group identifies the top three or four ideas. If there is not a clear consensus, then use a multivoting process. Each participant votes for ideas on the wall using the following points:
- 4 votes for first choice
- 3 votes for second choice
- 2 votes for third choice
- 1 vote for fourth choice
Restate Header Cards Using A Verb. Examine each header card and restate it as an action item. In other words, replace a noun with a verb.
Subtier Actions. If subtier actions are necessary, post them under the header cards.
Assign Completion Date. Assign a completion date to each item.
Post Dates and Name of Person Responsible. Post dates and the name of the person responsible for each action item.

Extension programs are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability.
Questions or comments? Contact the Extension to Communities Secretary, lindaek@iastate.edu
last updated Thursday March 01 2001