Description Long

Spider Evaluation is a method for visualising feedback and evaluations. Participants rate proposed solution options against predefined criteria on a four- to six-point scale. This can include the following seven criteria: feasibility, realism, innovation, effort, development potential, personal commitment, and emotional impact on users. In the analogue version, the spider diagram is drawn on flipcharts or paper, and participants mark their ratings using pens or sticky dots. In the digital version, the evaluation takes place via online platforms such as Miro, where participants enter their assessments either collaboratively or individually. A ranking of the rated solution options is then created and jointly discussed. Spider Evaluation can be used to assess an entire workshop or to reflect on individual questions, results, or proposed solutions.

Illustration

Preparation

• Define the criteria to be assessed.
• Prepare materials:
  • Analogue: Prepare a flipchart, sticky dots and pens, or create a worksheet with the spider diagram and print it out on A4 or A3 paper.
  • Digital: Create a worksheet with the spider diagram and share it with participants via an online platform such as Miro so they can work on it collaboratively.

Execution

Analogue version

1. Flipchart option:

1. Draw the evaluation spider on a flipchart. At the end of each leg, write the indicators to be assessed. Participants rate each indicator on a scale from 1 [fully applies] to 4 or 6 [does not apply at all].
2. Participants are given sticky dots and pens and invited to come forward and place their ratings. The facilitator then compiles the results.

2. Worksheet option:

1. The spider diagram worksheet is either displayed for all to see (A3) or distributed individually to participants (A4).
2. The evaluation is carried out either jointly or individually.
3. For individual ratings, the worksheets are collected and transferred by the facilitator onto a large, visible chart.

3. Brief presentation of the two best ideas.

Online version

1. Group option: The Miro board is shared with all participants for collaborative use.
2. Individual option: Each participant completes the worksheet independently.
3. If using the individual version: after completing the evaluation, each participant shares their version during a Zoom meeting (via screen sharing), and the facilitator transfers the results onto a shared Miro board.
4. Brief presentation of the two best ideas.

Hints from experience

• Remind participants to rate honestly and autonomously.
• Check whether the criteria are clear and understandable to everyone.
• Where possible, provide indicators for each criterion to illustrate what it looks like when the criterion is met.
• If the group atmosphere is open and trusting, the evaluation can be done openly and collectively.
• However, if hierarchies, competition or a lack of trust are present, it may be more appropriate to carry out the evaluation individually and anonymously first, and then overlay the results anonymously.
• An even-numbered scale (e.g. 1 to 4) encourages clear decisions, while an odd-numbered scale (e.g. 1 to 5) allows for a neutral middle option.
  • This method can also be used earlier in a process to assess and select ideas that will later be developed into concrete solutions (Closing 1).

Tools list

• Worksheets, prepared
• Pencils, board markers
• duct tape
• Sticky dots
• Pinboard
• Head push pins

References

Rebecca Pates et al. Antidiskriminierungspädagogik – Konzepte und Methoden für die Bildungsarbeit mit Jugendlichen. S. 170–171.

Radar chart – Wikipedia