Dot poll¶
Participants allocate a personal points budget across the available options. This captures not only their preference but also the strength of that preference. Depending on requirements (and the rules), the entire budget can be allocated to a single option or spread widely across the options.
How it works in Rhizome¶
Everyone allocates the available points according to their own priorities. The points are totalled for each proposal, and the proposal with the most points wins. The result reflects both broad support and strong individual preferences.
If none of these was selected during creation, it receives votes just like any other proposal. If it ends up in the lead, the vote has failed. In the event of a tie, the decision remains unresolved until co-creator break the deadlock.
Advanced decision-making rules¶
Points allowance per person¶
Each person allocates a personal points budget across the options. The default value is 10 points. This value can be increased or decreased – a lower budget increases the pressure to prioritise, whilst a higher budget allows for a more granular allocation when there are many options.
Points limit per option¶
Set a limit on the number of points a person can allocate to a single option. This is particularly useful when participants have put forward their own options during the discussion: without a limit, people might allocate their entire budget to their own proposal, which would make it impossible to gauge their second or third preferences. A points limit encourages a broader distribution.
Allocation to options¶
Limits the number of different options a person may allocate points to (default: unlimited). For example: with five options and a limit of three, people have to prioritise and concentrate their points – useful for forcing a sharper focus when there are many options.
Required majority¶
Specifies the number of points an option must score to win.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Relative majority (default) | The proposal with the most points wins |
| Absolute majority | An option must receive more than 50 per cent of all points |
| Two-thirds majority | An option must receive at least 66 per cent of all points |
| Custom | A self-defined percentage value as the threshold |
Quorum¶
Specifies the minimum number of people who must respond for the decision to be valid.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| No quorum (default) | The decision is valid regardless of participation |
| Percentage | A defined proportion must respond – default settings: 50%, 66 per cent or a custom value |
| Number | A specific number of people must reply |
| Everyone must participate | Everyone in the group must take part |
If the threshold is not met, the vote fails, rather than the proposal that came second taking its place.
Random order¶
Each person sees the proposals in their own order – see Random order.
You can find a complete list of all available rules under Special Rules.
Use cases¶
The dot poll is suitable for prioritisation, budget allocation or selecting from a range of options. This method can be combined with ranking and can serve as a preliminary assessment prior to a consent. You can find further possible combinations under Combining decision method.