Dashboarding Field Guide Literature Review Highlights & Stakeholder Engagement and Evaluation Design Tool
Data2insight founder Veronica Smith presented at the 2016 American Evaluation Association conference which took place in Atlanta. For those interested in Veronica’s work on dashboarding and focusing sessions, her 2016 American Evaluation Association conference presentations and handouts are available here for download.
Dashboard research and dashboarding field guide
Part of the multipaper panel titled “New Data Visualization Tools & Techniques to A+ Your Reporting”
Abstract: What is the knowledge base on dashboard design, build and use in performance/shared measurement, monitoring and evaluation? That’s what the folks at data2insight, led by lead executive and equitable scientist Veronica S. Smith, will share: findings from a recent systematic literature review as well as interviews with practitioners and information design thought leaders about the current state of dashboard use and implications for the future. This work is being done in preparation for an upcoming field guide on dashboarding and measurement reporting (slated to be out in Fall 2017) authored by Ms. Smith for the Sage book series Evaluation in Practice. We will also open up the conversation to hear our colleagues’ experiences, dashboard successes as well as challenges. Bring your dashboard stories and we might use them in the book! Take away a copy of the literature review and a deeper understanding of dashboarding and measurement reporting to inform your practice.
Focusing Sessions: A valuable stakeholder engagement and evaluation design tool
Abstract: Data2insight created ‘evaluation focusing sessions’ based on Stewart Donaldson’s process for developing program theory and formulating evaluation questions. These one-day (or two half-day) convenings are effective tools for engaging stakeholders in (1) creating a common understanding of programs, (2) making program theory explicit and testable, (3) framing and prioritizing evaluation questions, and (4) providing a framework for data collection and analysis. This process informs a responsive, robust program evaluation design as well as establishing a strong foundation for evaluator-stakeholder co-creation of knowledge.
Data2insight will mock up and walk through the steps for planning and facilitating an engaging and effective focusing session. We will discuss the benefits and limitations of those sessions, and how to secure stakeholder engagement. You will receive a basic understanding of how a focusing session works, and a list of techniques and resources to apply in your evaluation practice.
