COLLABORATIVE SENSE MAKING

Interpreting findings and discovering insights

Qualitative data plays an important role in the design thinking process, but can be challenging to interpret once collected. Unlike its quantitative counterpart, qualitative data cannot be assessed using mathematics or by plugging numbers into a spreadsheet. This course will teach you how to work with qualitative data in a collaborative and meaningful way by focusing on the problem you are trying to solve and the people at the center of it.   

About the course

Interpreting qualitative data and finding insights can allow you and your team to better define the complex problem you’re trying to solve as well as recognize solutions that will provide for the needs of your stakeholders. This course will address qualitative analysis through the use of grounded theory, a methodology developed by social scientists that applies rigor to intuition and groups information into higher-level concepts and categories. Overlap’s Transcription, Analysis, Synthesis, Reporting (TASR) process will be introduced in detail as a way of implementing grounded theory towards your complex problem.

Modules

A grounded approach to qualitative analysis

Learn the principles of grounded theory and how to implement it using Overlaps’s Transcription, analysis, synthesis, and reporting (TASR) process. This session will provide tools and techniques to tackle qualitative analysis using need statements, clustering, themes, and rigor. 

The TASR process in action

This hands-on session will give you experience using the TASR process to develop insights from qualitative data. Participants will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a risk-free environment and see how this process is embodied in practice.

Learning Outcomes

This course will support you, your team and your organization in the process of analyzing qualitative data. You’ll learn about the specific processes and tools that can lead to meaningful insights and how to utilize them in an iterative and compelling way.

What you will learn:

  • Human-centred design: a brief overview of the human-centred design cycle and the role of collaboration and sense-making within it.
  • Value of qualitative data and analysis: recognize the inherent value of gathering and interpreting  information about qualities, traits and characteristics.   
  • Transcription, analysis, synthesis, reporting: leverage Overlap’s approach to grounded theory towards make sense of information you gather.
  • Findings, themes, and insights: develop a keen understanding of the differences between these three terms and the role they play in collaborative sense overlapmaking.
  • The need for iteration and saturation: value the role of repeating data collection and knowing how to recognize a saturation point.
  • Overlap Associates Inc. | Creative Problem Solving School

    “Overlap’s approach help take the fear outta learning while you insert fun. I have had this sick feeling every time I had to engage with technology–but your attitude and approach take away the scariness.”

    Intro to HCD Participant

  • Overlap Associates Inc. | Creative Problem Solving School

    “Overlap was able to explain concepts and engage people effectively and emotionally in the learning process. From concept thinking to design, they brought an element of a new Human feelings approach that gave me a new perspective of incorporating an end-user approach to a problem versus a global approach.”

    H. B. Com, CPA, CGA, Director of Finance and Administration, KW Habilitation

  • Overlap Associates Inc. | Creative Problem Solving School

    “Taking (Intro to HCD) rejuvenated my enthusiasm for work at a time when I was starting to feel disconnected. Not only was it refreshing to work through Launch activities with an interdisciplinary group, it gave me ideas for engaging my own team differently. I immediately applied what I learned with noted success!”

    Educational Developer | Curriculum Development and Program Improvement Centre for Teaching & Learning | Queen’s University

  • Overlap Associates Inc. | Creative Problem Solving School

    “...Overlap training introduced me to a process and a wealth of tools that will take our planning to the next level. Moving to virtual training did not dampen Ryan and Nicole's enthusiasm, and their insights helped me understand how to apply these tools in my own organization. I cannot wait for my next planning session!”

    Head of Public Services Law Library, Dalhousie University

  • Overlap Associates Inc. | Creative Problem Solving School

    “The training at Overlap encouraged me to fall in love with the problem and understand it deeply. The iterative design process teaches that failure is valued as a necessary step to designing the best solutions. This relieves the pressure of trying to 'get it right the first time.' Using this approach in our organization has promoted a new sense of engagement in our staff team, as people feel their voices are valued in the process.”

    Extend-a-Family Waterloo Region

Upcoming Courses

Collaborative Sense Making 

Creative Problem Solving: 305

(Live Online Cohort)

*2023 dates coming soon*

Collaboration Bundle

Are you interested in improving your collaboration skills?  You can save over 15% by registering for our Collaboration Bundle, which includes: 301) Community & Staff Engagement Foundations, 303) Working with Agility, and 305) Collaborative Sense Making.  Sign up for all three courses today and save!

Collaboration Bundle: Sign Up