Line-Up

ACTIVITY TYPE

• Informing 
• Consulting 
• Supporting the action 
• Reflection and feedback 

DESCRIPTION

Line-up or sociographic location serves to spatially visualize group constellations on a specific issue. The method is often used at the beginning of a workshop or seminar to loosen up and to introduce the topic with appropriate questions.

WATER/ AGRICULTURE EXAMPLE

Could be used to get information on the awareness level of the participants in water issues, local problems, conflicts. It gives the opportunity to involve stakeholders in the search for common solutions, e.g. when planning work stages on a drainage network.

The Line-up method can also be helpful in rebuilding relations and cooperation, e.g. with neighbors. 

HOW TO USE IT ONLINE  

Use the Jamboard, Whiteboard or similar e-tool.

RESOURCES NEEDED

• Time to do: 5 to 15 minutes according to group size and number of questions.
• Staff: at least one facilitator 
• Equipment: room according to group size

SUITABLE FOR 

• large and small groups 5 to 30 participants 

HOW TO DO IT  

• Explain the rules and announce the lining criterion.
• Ask questions one after another, 3 matching questions are recommended. 
• Ask participants to line up according to your indicated criterion.

Typical tasks for the participants are for example

“How satisfied are you with the current situation in …? Enthusiastic’ is in the corner and ‘very dissatisfied’ in this corner. Neutral’ would then be here. Please line up according to your satisfaction.

ADVANTAGES

• Line-up loosens up, brings participants into movement and exchange. 
• The group learns more about each other and about personal references to topics.

CHALLENGIES

• Not suitable for complex questions which require in-depth answers