Description Long

Companies and organisations are increasingly confronted with problems that, for various reasons, are difficult or even impossible to solve. These problems may be incomplete, based on contradictory knowledge, involve a wide range of people and opinions, or present a significant financial burden. PFPM is based on the idea that some challenges are hard to express in words – whether for emotional, social or systemic reasons. By making problems visible through hands-on modelling, participants bypass familiar thought patterns and open up new perspectives.

The method begins with the creation of a problem scene in the form of a prototype: using cardboard, figures, symbols, arrows and signs, a visual narrative is constructed. The key feature: there is no speaking. In the subsequent observation phase, another person describes the scene aloud – again without questions or explanations. These observations are recorded in writing by the person who created the scene. Interpretations are shared only during a later reflection phase. This conscious separation of expression, external perception and reflection encourages a more nuanced, empathetic view of the problem and helps generate new approaches to solving it.

Preparation

• Gather creative materials: cardboard, scissors, glue, felt-tip pens, symbols, Playmobil or Lego pieces.
• Participants craft figures out of cardboard to visually represent the problem. As they are not allowed to speak or use written language, these figures must convey objects, people, situations and actions (e.g. arrows, exclamations, question marks, etc.).
• If needed, prepare crafting templates (e.g. people, houses, objects) as printouts or stencils.
• Provide paper and pens for noting down observations.
• During the session, participants sit opposite each other at long tables. They take on the roles of the interpreting person and the observing person.

Execution

1. After the workshop has started (the problem or challenge has been explained), participants are asked to visualise the problem from their own perspective using the materials provided.
2. Each participant has a maximum of 20 minutes to create a visual representation of the problem. No discussion or written language is permitted during this phase.
3. Once participants have finished, they carry out two observation rounds in pairs (2 x 10 minutes). Person A observes Person B’s scene and describes out loud what they see – without asking questions or interpreting. Person B writes down these observations (without speaking). Then the roles are reversed.
4. After both sessions, participants may exchange thoughts and refine their understanding of the problem or challenge. If the workshop continues in small groups, it is helpful to ask each group to formulate a shared problem statement.

Hints from experience

• The figures should be well prepared. If using Lego or Playmobil, avoid simply tipping out a bag of random pieces. The seriousness of the project should be reflected in a professional presentation of the materials.

Tools list

• Arts and craft material

References