Future Search
A cross-section of stakeholders works on a shared future and the action needed to pursue it.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 63
Library / Large-group processes
Methods and teaching
Large-group processes
114 methods, models, and participation formats from my teaching material and shared collection.
Browse the index · Read the teaching deck · Browse the 15 document collections
Choosing and combining approaches
Start with the situation, who needs to take part, the decisions they can make, and what can happen afterwards. A familiar method is not a reason to use it. The deck discusses preparation, power, inclusion, facilitation, and follow-through on pages 156-172.
The complexity and purpose labels reproduce Benjamin Taylor’s teaching overview on PDF page 46. They are a way into comparison, not universal classifications. Individual slides sometimes use different positions. Families, methods, supporting models, and examples are explicitly distinguished.
What this index covers
The former 15 cards were document collections, including an overview folder. This index includes every named entry in the overview, the additional named examples on page 50, selected supporting models discussed in the deck, and the individual Liberating Structures guides. It is not a claim to enumerate every method in existence. Similar labels are retained where the teaching source lists them separately.
The overview slide says 71, but contains 78 named entries. The count here is calculated from the displayed records. Mention-only entries are pointers for further enquiry, not developed recommendations or endorsements. Related names and variants may overlap.
Summaries prepared with AI assistance from the cited teaching pages. No independent specialist review of these summaries is recorded. Source authors retain their own rights; inclusion does not imply an open licence for the original work.
Find an approach
114 entries shown
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Three Horizons
Explore the current pattern, emerging alternatives, and the transition between them.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 109
Scenario Planning
Explore several plausible futures and test what they would mean for present choices.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 113
TIP - The Integral Process
Work with multiple perspectives and developmental complexity in group inquiry.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 119
Preferred Futuring
Develop a narrative of a preferred future to guide collective planning.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 56
Delphi Method
Use successive rounds of structured enquiry to explore forecasts and areas of agreement.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 56
Stakeholder mapping
Make stakeholder relationships and perspectives visible for discussion.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 56
ICA Strategic Planning Process
Listed in the deck's visioning and alignment column; a separate worked account is not supplied here.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 46
Participatory Narrative Inquiry
Collect and interpret stories together to explore patterns in experience.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 56
Causal Layered Analysis (CLA)
Examine an issue through surface accounts, systemic causes, worldviews, and underlying stories.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 56
Soft Systems Methodology
Use structured inquiry and conceptual models to explore different understandings of a problematic situation.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 68
Cognitive Edge methods / Cynefin / SenseMaker
Use narrative material and participatory sense-making to explore patterns in complex situations.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 120
Polarity Management
Explore interdependent tensions and the consequences of overemphasising either pole.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 121
Citizens' assemblies and variants
Bring a broadly representative group into informed deliberation on a public issue.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 125
AmericaSpeaks 21st Century Town Meeting
A structured approach to large-scale participatory deliberation.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 56
Meta-Planning
Generate, arrange, and prioritise contributions to a shared discussion.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 56
Converge-diverge model
Move between opening up possibilities and narrowing them into choices.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 56
Open Space Technology (OST)
Participants propose the agenda and take responsibility for conversations they want to pursue.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 71
Art of Hosting
Combine participatory practices to support shared inquiry and collective work.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 126
Deep Democracy (Lewis Method)
Surface minority views and work with the tensions around a majority decision.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 128
Gurteen Knowledge Café
Use small-group conversations and whole-group reflection to develop understanding.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 129
ProAction Café
Use structured conversations to help participants work on questions and proposed action.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 56
Open Dialogue
An approach named in the deck for inclusive listening and understanding.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 56
Storytelling and narrative practices
Use stories to explore experience and the meanings people give it.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 56
Fishbowl Conversations
Move people between an active conversation and an observing group.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 56
Whole-Scale Change
Bring a cross-section of a system together to plan and take ownership of change.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 75
Real-Time Strategic Change / Real-Time Work Design
Combine whole-system participation with planning, decisions, and implementation.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 74
Hoshin Kanri
Connect strategic direction with work at different organisational levels through repeated dialogue and review.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 131
Axelrod Conference Model
Use a linked series of conferences to develop shared understanding and organisational redesign.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 79
Participatory Systems Mapping
Map interdependencies with the people involved in the situation.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 57
Strategic Change Accelerator (IBM ACT)
Listed as an approach to adaptation, design, and alignment; the deck provides only a brief description.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 57
Whole Systems Approach
Bring systems inquiry and participatory design together around a shared situation.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 78
Viable System Model facilitation
Use the Viable System Model to enquire into organisational viability and design.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 57
Boundary Critique (Critical Systems Heuristics)
Examine who and what a decision includes, excludes, benefits, or disadvantages.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 57
M&G Taylor Method / Decision Accelerator / DesignShop
Use intensive collaborative design, visual work, and iterative exploration of an issue.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 80
Consensus Workshop Method
Generate ideas, cluster them, and develop shared meaning and agreement.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 88
Rapid Improvement Events / GE Work-Out
Bring relevant people together for focused decisions, process redesign, and practical action.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 134
Participatory Innovation Model
Involve stakeholders in defining challenges and developing responses to them.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 136
Gemba Kaizen
Improve work through attention to the place and process in which it happens.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 57
Design Charrettes
Use concentrated collaborative design sessions with people holding different perspectives.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 57
Value Stream Mapping
Map how work and information move through a process to examine delays and waste.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 57
Cross-Impact Analysis
Explore how developments or decisions might affect one another.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 57
GameStorming
Named in the overview's solutions-design column; the deck does not supply a separate worked account.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 46
Participatory / Community Mapping
Create a map together to explore community relationships and local experience.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 57
Participatory budgeting
Involve communities in deciding how to allocate a defined public budget.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 57
The Organization Workshop
Explore recurring patterns of power and relationships through experience and reflection.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 89
Participative Design Workshops (PDW)
Enable people doing the work to participate in redesigning it.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 92
Triple Task Approach
Combine work on a shared task with reflection on the group's process and experience.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 140
GroupWorks Patterns
Use a pattern language to examine and design group processes.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 141
Pattern Language for Large Groups
Named as a framework for thinking about the design of group processes.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 57
Generative Scribing
Use visual work to reflect emerging patterns and meaning in a group's conversation.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 57
Appreciative Inquiry (AI) Summit
Enquire into valued experience and use it to imagine and work towards a preferred future.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 61
Interactive Planning
Work back from an idealised design to examine what could be changed in the present.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 142
Search Conference
Use participatory inquiry into the environment, a desired future, and collective action.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 143
Large-Scale Interactive Process (LSIP)
Bring many stakeholders into shared planning and decisions about change.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 144
Future Back Planning
Start with a desired future and reason back to present action.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 58
Scenario Narratives
Develop accounts of alternative futures to examine their implications.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 58
Problem Solving Team Build / MacDonald Team Discipline
Build shared understanding of a problem, develop options, and agree responsibilities for action.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 93
Breaking the Shell
Distinguish external constraints, organisational barriers, and assumptions the group can challenge.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 98
Liberating Structures
A repertoire of participation formats that can be combined for different purposes.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 145
Fast Cycle Full Participation
Use intensive, time-bounded participation to develop decisions with the relevant stakeholders.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 146
Think Like a Genius
Listed as an approach to adaptive brainstorming; the deck provides only a brief account.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 58
Technology of Participation (ToP)
A family of structured facilitation practices; its component methods have different purposes.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 58
SimuReal
Use a simulation to explore organisational dynamics and possible responses.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 58
Design Thinking Workshops
Combine inquiry into experience, collaborative design, prototyping, and feedback.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 58
Syntegration / Team Syntegrity
Use a designed pattern of topic groups, roles, and repeated conversations to work on a complex question.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 105
When Cultures Meet / Encounters With The Other
Explore the experience of cultural difference and the possibility of working together across it.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 103
Constellations
Use spatial representation to enquire into perceived relationships and patterns in a system.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 148
People Need People / Warm Data Labs
Explore relationships across contexts through conversational inquiry.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 147
World Café
Connect small-group conversations around shared questions, with movement between tables.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 100
Collaborative Development Action Inquiry (CDAI)
Combine action and reflection with attention to development and participation.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 149
Power+Systems TOOTs
Reflect on experience from different systemic positions using Time Out of Time conversations.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 150
Theory U
A change approach combining attention, listening, sensing, and experimentation.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 151
Social Presencing Theatre
Use embodied practices to enquire into social situations and possible movement.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 155
Circle Methodology
Use a circle-based form to organise participation, listening, and dialogue.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 58
Collaborative Leadership Development
Named as a participatory approach to developing leadership across a system.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 58
Strategic Forum
Bring stakeholders into a structured discussion of strategic and cultural questions.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 58
Systemic Design
Combine systems inquiry and participatory design around a situation.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 58
Janssen’s Four Rooms of Change
A model discussed alongside Future Search for exploring different experiences of change.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 67
CATWOE
A set of questions within Soft Systems Methodology for examining a purposeful activity model.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 70
Berkana Two Loops model
A comparison mentioned alongside Three Horizons; a separate worked account is not supplied.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 109
Panarchy adaptive cycle
A comparison mentioned alongside Three Horizons; a separate worked account is not supplied.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 109
Talking circles
Named as a further example in the teaching material. A developed comparison or account is not supplied in this collection.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 50
Ubuntu Circles
Named as a further example in the teaching material. A developed comparison or account is not supplied in this collection.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 50
Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)
Named as a further example in the teaching material. A developed comparison or account is not supplied in this collection.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 50
Hackathons
Named as a further example in the teaching material. A developed comparison or account is not supplied in this collection.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 50
BarCamp and unconferences
Named as a further example in the teaching material. A developed comparison or account is not supplied in this collection.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 50
Transition design
Named as a further example in the teaching material. A developed comparison or account is not supplied in this collection.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 50
Conflict Transformation Circles
Named as a further example in the teaching material. A developed comparison or account is not supplied in this collection.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 50
Facilitated Power Analysis
Named as a further example in the teaching material. A developed comparison or account is not supplied in this collection.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 50
Circling
Named as a further example in the teaching material. A developed comparison or account is not supplied in this collection.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 50
T-groups
Named as a further example in the teaching material. A developed comparison or account is not supplied in this collection.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 50
Encounter groups
Named as a further example in the teaching material. A developed comparison or account is not supplied in this collection.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 50
Scrum
Named as a further example in the teaching material. A developed comparison or account is not supplied in this collection.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 50
Mob programming
Named as a further example in the teaching material. A developed comparison or account is not supplied in this collection.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 50
EST
Named as a further example in the teaching material. A developed comparison or account is not supplied in this collection.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 50
Landmark programmes
Named as a further example in the teaching material. A developed comparison or account is not supplied in this collection.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 50
Tony Robbins workshops
Named as a further example in the teaching material. A developed comparison or account is not supplied in this collection.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 50
Theatre of the Oppressed
Named as a further example in the teaching material. A developed comparison or account is not supplied in this collection.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 50
Legislative Theatre
Named as a further example in the teaching material. A developed comparison or account is not supplied in this collection.
Source and page reference
- Large-group processes, Benjamin Taylor (2024) PDF page 58
1-2-4-All
Begin with individual reflection, develop ideas in pairs and fours, then share selected insights with the whole group.
Source and page reference
- 1-2-4-all.pdf Individual guide, read 19 September 2026
- 1-1-1-2-4-all.pdf Individual guide, read 19 September 2026
Liberating Structures: Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless; most supplied one-page guides designed by Jenny Yung for Scrum Facilitators. Individual source terms apply.
Link to this entry15% Solutions
Identify practical first steps within present scope, then use group discussion to develop and select them.
Source and page reference
- 15Solutions.pdf Individual guide, read 19 September 2026
Liberating Structures: Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless; most supplied one-page guides designed by Jenny Yung for Scrum Facilitators. Individual source terms apply.
Link to this entryConversation Café
Use small circles, agreed ground rules, and a talking object to support listening and reflection on a shared question.
Source and page reference
- 17-conversations-cafe.pdf Individual guide, read 19 September 2026
Liberating Structures: Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless; most supplied one-page guides designed by Jenny Yung for Scrum Facilitators. Individual source terms apply.
Link to this entry25/10 Crowdsourcing
Exchange and score idea cards over five rounds, then examine the strongest proposals and possible first steps.
Source and page reference
- 25_10 Crowdsourcing.pdf Individual guide, read 19 September 2026
Liberating Structures: Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless; most supplied one-page guides designed by Jenny Yung for Scrum Facilitators. Individual source terms apply.
Link to this entryAppreciative Interviews
Interview a partner about an experience of success, then compare the conditions that made it possible.
Source and page reference
- Appreciative Interview.pdf Individual guide, read 19 September 2026
Liberating Structures: Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless; most supplied one-page guides designed by Jenny Yung for Scrum Facilitators. Individual source terms apply.
Link to this entryHeard, Seen, Respected
Practise listening in pairs, then reflect on the experience and patterns with a wider group.
Source and page reference
- HeardSeenRespected.pdf Individual guide, read 19 September 2026
Liberating Structures: Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless; most supplied one-page guides designed by Jenny Yung for Scrum Facilitators. Individual source terms apply.
Link to this entryShift & Share
Move small groups between stations where people present an idea, discuss it, and receive feedback.
Source and page reference
- ShiftandShare.pdf Individual guide, read 19 September 2026
Liberating Structures: Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless; most supplied one-page guides designed by Jenny Yung for Scrum Facilitators. Individual source terms apply.
Link to this entryTRIZ (Liberating Structures)
Imagine how to produce an unwanted result, identify where current practice resembles it, and decide what to stop.
Source and page reference
- Triz.pdf Individual guide, read 19 September 2026
Liberating Structures: Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless; most supplied one-page guides designed by Jenny Yung for Scrum Facilitators. Individual source terms apply.
Link to this entryImpromptu Networking
Use repeated paired conversations to share challenges and notice patterns across the group.
Source and page reference
- Impromptu Networking.pdf Individual guide, read 19 September 2026
Liberating Structures: Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless; most supplied one-page guides designed by Jenny Yung for Scrum Facilitators. Individual source terms apply.
Link to this entryCritical Uncertainties
Build scenarios around two critical uncertainties, then compare robust and hedging strategies across those futures.
Source and page reference
- Critical Uncertainties.pdf Individual guide, read 19 September 2026
Liberating Structures: Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless; most supplied one-page guides designed by Jenny Yung for Scrum Facilitators. Individual source terms apply.
Link to this entryMad Tea
Use rotating pairs in concentric circles for short exchanges responding to sentence prompts.
Source and page reference
- MadTea.pdf Individual guide, read 19 September 2026
Liberating Structures: Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless; most supplied one-page guides designed by Jenny Yung for Scrum Facilitators. Individual source terms apply.
Link to this entryTroika Consulting
Work in threes so each person can present a challenge and listen to two colleagues explore possible responses.
Source and page reference
- TroikaConsulting.pdf Individual guide, read 19 September 2026
Liberating Structures: Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless; most supplied one-page guides designed by Jenny Yung for Scrum Facilitators. Individual source terms apply.
Link to this entryMin Specs
List possible requirements, test which are indispensable to the purpose, and remove unnecessary constraints.
Source and page reference
- Minspec.pdf Individual guide, read 19 September 2026
Liberating Structures: Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless; most supplied one-page guides designed by Jenny Yung for Scrum Facilitators. Individual source terms apply.
Link to this entryUser Experience Fishbowl
Let an inner group discuss its experience while an outer group listens, develops questions, and then joins the exchange.
Source and page reference
- UX Fishbowl.pdf Individual guide, read 19 September 2026
Liberating Structures: Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless; most supplied one-page guides designed by Jenny Yung for Scrum Facilitators. Individual source terms apply.
Link to this entryWork with the collection
Open the large-group-process mentor to explore a live situation and possible approaches. Check its answers against the source material and your own judgement.