Process design is like a map describing how ideas, challenges or questions are being processed in a certain group context. Process design contains all the stages, from sensing the need, defining the purpose, calling the participants, identifying who the stakeholders are, to designing the actual meeting and harvesting what has emerged in the conversations.

Some food for thought:

• What is the issue being explored? Who are the callers? Who has the deepest connection to the issue?
• What is the need and the purpose behind the issue?
• Who are the stakeholders? Who should be invited into the process? How will they be invited?
• Where will the meeting take place? What kind of design serves the purpose best? What are the key questions for the meeting?
• What kind of harvesting is needed? How do we capture the patterns emerging in conversations?

A designed group process enables organizations, projects or communities to become aware of something that only reveals itself when people come together and share their thoughts, experiences and insights.

Some ideas for group processes:

• issues around team work and communication
• dialogue between the stakeholders and core group
•  workshops on participatory tools, e.g. Circle Process, Art of Hosting, inclusive decision making processes
• social innovations
• envisioning future
• sustainable business plans
• clarity around concept design
• clarity around vision and purpose
• building community -more in Building Community.