Fact
Finding

A method for gathering facts about a “fuzzy problem”, building deeper insight into our challenge and gaining alignment by asking and answering a series of questions.

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When would you use Fact Finding?

Fact finding is best used at the outset of any problem finding event. It provides a baseline of key facts that enable a preliminary understanding of a problem and/or client situation.

Here’s where Fact Finding can be a difference maker:

You are given a challenge to solve and you are not sure of all the “facts”
You need to ensure team alignment and there’s multiple conflicting perspectives
You need to align on a strategy at an executive offsite

How does Fact Finding work?

1
Select relevant starter questions from question categories
2
List an expansive array of facts to address each question
3
Group the facts and identify potential themes
4
Discuss facts to build understanding and alignment within the group
5
Converge on the most compelling themes to deeper explore

Download the full Fact Finding guide

Get access to instructions, templates, a case study, and more

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Deliberate Innovation Fact Finding Tool Guide

Top Fact Finding Tips

Fact Finding Mindset – Remember this is an expansive exercise – Don’t Judge the Facts
Beware of assumptions – It’s easy to skip over the facts when we hold a position
Remove the emotion – It’s easy to have a negative attitude towards a problem
Search for the Facts – Facilitator should be using open ended question; Participants should be listening and providing concise answers
Design for the Exercise – Don’t let space constrain the number of facts!
Capture verbatims – Opinions are OK. Need to source them (e.g., Dan thinks: “The Company is a great place to work.”
Converging vs. Diverging – In the end, signal that we want to be reductive and think about the facts that were most important – this will help you reshape your challenge.