References

Futures work too often ignores the value of a better understanding of the ‘thick present’ and its evolutionary possibilities, something this chapter seeks to correct. The underlying theory draws on complexity science, assemblage and constructor theories as well as distributed ethnography. A new set of methods, ‘Estuarine Mapping’ is outlined which allows the definition of the various fractal topographies and energy gradients of the present. In turn, this allows us to intervene to change the dispositional state of the system so it is easier to achieve a desired outcome. The chapter defines, and proposes a solution to, the problem of abduction in human decision-making. In trying to break an inability to see, pay attention to, and then act on weak signals the method seeks to plot a path to overcome a pattern of historical failure in futures work, despite accurate forecasts, scenarios and such like. The chapter builds on the 2021 joint publication of the Future Systems Directorate of the European Union and the Cynefin Centre: Managing complexity (and chaos) in times of crisis. A field guide for decision makers inspired by the Cynefin framework (EUFG)

Social change is messy. Poverty and inequality are experienced in a myriad of ways, each person and household with specific opportunities and needs. Working with their inherent complexity requires seeing what is happening at the margins for small groups, as much as what is center stage for the majority. Such nuances matter. Listening deeply to many people’s experiences lays the foundation for learning together about options and choices.

SenseMaker is a unique method of inquiry that encourages and enables novel insights not obtained from conventional quantitative and qualitative methods. It is action-oriented and, therefore, well-suited for people needing data-informed insights for adaptive management.

SenseMaker works by unpacking and exploring the diversity of people’s experiences through stories they share, allowing many voices to be heard. Starting from people’s experiences that they interpret themselves, patterns emerge across the stories. These patterns can shed light on the structures and mental models that explain the events and phenomena that people share. Such depth can help identify appropriate pathways and innovations to deal with complex problems. Probing into the patterns and trends of people’s experiences provide important nuances, lifting the lid on factors behind sometimes puzzling results. These patterns are collectively analyzed with stakeholders, strengthening collaboration, learning, adaptation, and accountability.

This guide is written for those who wish to use SenseMaker to conduct assessments, monitor progress, and undertake evaluations or research. Drawing on more than a decade of experience, the authors share dozens of examples from international development, providing practical tips and ideas for context-specific adaptations. They show how the method can be used to for difficult-to-measure outcomes related to poverty reduction, social justice, peacebuilding, resilience, gender norms, behavior change, governance and environmental management.

This field guide helps to navigate in times of crisis using the Cynefin framework as a compass. It proposes a four-stage approach through which we can: assess the type of crisis and initiate a response; adapt to the new pace and start building sensing networks to inform decisions; repurpose existing structures and working methods to generate radical innovation; transcend the crisis, formalise lessons learnt and increase resilience. The guide stresses the importance of setting and managing boundaries, building informal structures, keeping options open, distributing engagement and keeping an ongoing assessment of the evolving landscape. Action items, real life examples and demonstrations complement the references to the developing theoretical framework.

This open access book discusses how the involvement of citizens into scientific endeavors is expected to contribute to solve the big challenges of our time, such as climate change and the loss of biodiversity, growing inequalities within and between societies, and the sustainability turn. The field of citizen science has been growing in recent decades. Many different stakeholders from scientists to citizens and from policy makers to environmental organisations have been involved in its practice. In addition, many scientists also study citizen science as a research approach and as a way for science and society to interact and collaborate. This book provides a representation of the practices as well as scientific and societal outcomes in different disciplines. It reflects the contribution of citizen science to societal development, education, or innovation and provides and overview of the field of actors as well as on tools and guidelines. It serves as an introduction for anyone who wants to get involved in and learn more about the science of citizen science.

Citizen sensor networks provide real time feedback which is essential to managing complexity and can be used to help identify potential solutions to be explored, tested and monitored. Networks created for an ordinary purpose can then be deployed in times of extraordinary need—when a natural disaster or a pandemic hits, a trusted network providing a realtime situational assessment is readily available to deploy or tap into.  Citizen sensor networks are key to gaining a greater understanding of our democracies. Continuous engagement with citizens leads to more trust and thus more cooperation. Using SenseMaker®, a citizen sensor network can be established within a variety of different organisations such as companies, schools, universities and colleges, communities centres, sports clubs, neighbourhoods, regions, countries or just about any other kind of community you can think of.

This paper explores the promising practice of impact networks, including examples of impact networks from around the world and how these networks work. It also shares insights from the Good Death Impact Network (GDIN), a network TACSI have been involved in convening since 2018, and the four network practices that our GDIN work has helped us put into practice: togetherness, in-be

In this subsection you will find examples of Sensemaker applications to specific areas, with a focus on collective agencey

Agriculture

Hector, Veronica, Jonathan Friedrich, Michael P. Schlaile, Anna Panagiotou, and Claudia Bieling. 2025. “From Farm to Table: Uncovering Narratives of Agency and Responsibility for Change among Actors along Agri-Food Value Chains in Germany.” Agriculture and Human Values, May, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10460-025-10732-1.

LaRue, Katie, Thomas Daum, Kai Mausch, and Dave Harris. 2021. “Who Wants to Farm? Answers Depend on How You Ask: A Case Study on Youth Aspirations in Kenya.” The European Journal of Development Research 33 (4): 885–909. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41287-020-00352-2.

Migration and Refugees

Bakhache, Nour, Saja Michael, Sophie Roupetz, Stephanie Garbern, Harveen Bergquist, Colleen Davison, and Susan Bartels. 2017. Implementation of a SenseMaker®  research project among Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Global Health Action. 10:1362792. https://doi-org.bnf.idm.oclc.org/10.1080/16549716.2017.1362792.

Workplace

Franziska Mager, Becca Smith, and Becca Smith. n.d. “How Decent Is Decent Work? Using SenseMaker to Understand Workers’ Experiences.” Oxfam Policy & Practice. Accessed January 12, 2025. https://policy-practice.oxfam.org/resources/how-decent-is-decent-work-using-sensemaker-to-understand-workers-experiences-620476/.

Climate Change

Wamsler, Christine, Osberg ,Gustav, Panagiotou ,Anna, Smith ,Beth, Stanbridge ,Peter, Osika ,Walter, and Luis and Mundaca. 2023. “Meaning-Making in a Context of Climate Change: Supporting Agency and Political Engagement.” Climate Policy 23 (7): 829–44. https://doi.org/10.1080/14693062.2022.2121254.

Panagiotou, Anna. 2021. “Looking Back at the Acorn Study; Part 1: Introduction.” The Cynefin Co (blog). January 14, 2021. https://thecynefin.co/looking-back-at-the-acorn-study-part-1-introduction/.

COVID

Schlaile, Michael P., Veronica Hector, Luis Peters, Lukas Bäuerle, Beth Smith, Annette Hilt, and Silja Graupe. 2024. “Innovation Amidst Turmoil: A SenseMaker Study of Managerial Responses to the COVID-19 Crisis in Germany.” Journal of Innovation Economics & Management 43 (1): 285–318. https://doi.org/10.3917/jie.pr1.0154.