All Things Sticky – Care and Use of Sticky Walls

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What is this sticky wall tool?

Many of you have seen me or others around the world use the infamous facilitator tool called the sticky wall. Sticky walls typically come in blue or purple and other colors, are 5’ X 12’ (about 1.5 X 3.7 meters), and are made of ripstock nylon.  You can purchase them from The Institute of Cultural Affairs (creator of the Technology of Participation i.e., ToP® methods) in various countries or make your own if you have access to a Serger sewing machine to hem  the edges.

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Why is this such a handy tool?

It’s most amazing benefit is that it is invaluable in moving data around into themes when you use some type of clustering technique (e.g., ToP consensus workshop, affinity diagrams, nominal group technique, or design consequences technique). Each of these four clustering techniques have subtle and very real differences in their impact and intent on group work so please check out the differences.  We also use it to post objectives, agenda, diagrams of process steps, do timelining or trending exercises, display gallery walk data,  and more.  It saves on using cardstock (regular scrap paper will do) and time and effort (no more balls of putty or masking tape loops).

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What else do you need to use it?

It is all in the 3 minute video –  how to spray and store it, how to put it up, cool variations on taping techniques, how to wash it and how often to spray it and more. Have fun with your sticky wall. You’ll want more than one once you start using it.

Barbara MacKay

Barbara loves “everything facilitation”. She thinks BIG! She loves working with other facilitators around the globe to create transformational results for client groups. She loves teaching others how to do that. She loves presenting at global facilitator conferences. She loves certifying new professional facilitators. If you also love what process facilitation can do for the world, connect with her – virtually or in person. She believes facilitation processes, used well, will provide the roadmap to a more just and sustainable world.

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