The tools we use in evaluation can be powerful things, especially our visual models. Visual models (such as logic models and system maps) abound in evaluation practice. This presentation provides tips for using them as thinking tools to foster creative and evaluative thinking with stakeholders, as boundary objects, and as anchors to foster use of findings. The presentation will outline techniques you can use - and things to avoid - to leverage visual models mindfully, even in (especially in!) dynamic and ambiguous initiatives with multiple, diverse stakeholder groups.
The talk draws from recent research about the use of evaluation for adaptive learning in cross-sectoral teams, and it links to literature on visual tools in design thinking. Research on evaluation provides a 'view from the bridge' to help us develop and adapt our methods for innovative practice. This talk bridges insights from expert evaluation practitioners with those from related fields such as service design. Audience members will be invited to take part in a brief activity - no design skills requir