I'm Kombate, a young evaluator from Togo (a country in western Africa).
I've carefully read your mail in the evalforward group, and I would like to share with you my thoughts on visual tools in evaluation (I'm not an expert. I'm just sharing my opinion, considering my passion about data visualization).
1- Using visual tools in evaluations as a plus can
Increase understanding and engagement: Visual tools can help people to understand complex information more easily and to engage with it more deeply. This is because they appeal to our natural tendency to process information visually.
Improve communication: Visual tools can help to communicate evaluation findings in a more clear, more concise, and more engaging way. This can be especially helpful when communicating with stakeholders who may not be familiar with evaluation terminology or concepts.
Enhance collaboration: Visual tools can be used to facilitate collaboration between evaluation stakeholders. This is because they provide a common language and framework for discussing evaluation findings.
Increase impact: Visual tools can help to increase the impact of evaluations by making them more accessible and memorable. This can lead to better decision-making and improved outcomes.
2- Types of evaluation/stages of evaluation that are most suitable for using visual tools
Visual tools can be used effectively at all stages of the evaluation process, from planning and design to implementation and reporting. However, they are particularly well-suited for use in the following stages:
Planning and design: Visual tools can be used to help to clarify the evaluation questions, identify the target audience, and develop the evaluation plan.
Data collection: Visual tools can be used to collect data from stakeholders, such as through interviews, focus groups, and surveys.
Data analysis: Visual tools can be used to help to analyze and visualize data. This can help to identify patterns and trends, and to communicate the findings to stakeholders.
Reporting: Visual tools can be used to create reports that are more engaging and easier to understand. This can help to increase the impact of the evaluation.
3- Other insights or concerns about using visual tools
It is important to choose the right visual tool for the purpose: There are many different types of visual tools, and each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. It is important to choose the right tool for the purpose of the evaluation.
It is important to make sure that the visual tools are accessible to all stakeholders: This means using clear and simple language, and avoiding jargon. It is also important to consider the cultural context of the stakeholders.
It is important to be aware of the limitations of visual tools: Visual tools can be a powerful way to communicate information, but they cannot replace the need for clear and concise written text.
Best regards.
Kombate Nawanti Project analyst at ShARE Master Degree in Monitoring and Evaluation Republic of Togo
Kombate Yendoukoa Nawanti
Agricultural Economist | Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist University Of KaraHi Harriet,
I'm Kombate, a young evaluator from Togo (a country in western Africa).
I've carefully read your mail in the evalforward group, and I would like to share with you my thoughts on visual tools in evaluation (I'm not an expert. I'm just sharing my opinion, considering my passion about data visualization).
1- Using visual tools in evaluations as a plus can
Visual tools can help people to understand complex information more easily and to engage with it more deeply. This is because they appeal to our natural tendency to process information visually.
Visual tools can help to communicate evaluation findings in a more clear, more concise, and more engaging way. This can be especially helpful when communicating with stakeholders who may not be familiar with evaluation terminology or concepts.
Visual tools can be used to facilitate collaboration between evaluation stakeholders. This is because they provide a common language and framework for discussing evaluation findings.
Visual tools can help to increase the impact of evaluations by making them more accessible and memorable. This can lead to better decision-making and improved outcomes.
2- Types of evaluation/stages of evaluation that are most suitable for using visual tools
Visual tools can be used effectively at all stages of the evaluation process, from planning and design to implementation and reporting. However, they are particularly well-suited for use in the following stages:
Visual tools can be used to help to clarify the evaluation questions, identify the target audience, and develop the evaluation plan.
Visual tools can be used to collect data from stakeholders, such as through interviews, focus groups, and surveys.
Visual tools can be used to help to analyze and visualize data. This can help to identify patterns and trends, and to communicate the findings to stakeholders.
Visual tools can be used to create reports that are more engaging and easier to understand. This can help to increase the impact of the evaluation.
3- Other insights or concerns about using visual tools
There are many different types of visual tools, and each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. It is important to choose the right tool for the purpose of the evaluation.
This means using clear and simple language, and avoiding jargon. It is also important to consider the cultural context of the stakeholders.
Visual tools can be a powerful way to communicate information, but they cannot replace the need for clear and concise written text.
Best regards.
Kombate Nawanti
Project analyst at ShARE
Master Degree in Monitoring and Evaluation
Republic of Togo