Our Methodologies

Voices That Count uses a wide range of participatory and narrative-based methodologies to understand and support social impact, both as stand-alone methods or as part of a mixed-method approach. We safeguard the core principles of each method but we will always adapt them to the purpose and context.

Outcome Harvesting

A participatory monitoring and evaluation method that identifies, formulates and analyses changes (outcomes) achieved by a project, and works backward to determine how the project contributed to the change.

Narrative Inquiry using SenseMaker

A large-scale listening method that places the voices of people at the centre of the inquiry. By capturing people’s stories and allowing them to give meaning to their own experience, it generates quantitative data backed up with context from the narratives.

PhotoVoice

A participatory research methodology that uses images to describe realities, communicate perspectives, and raise awareness on social issues. It combines a form of creative expression and recording of perceptions.

Human Sensor Network

Lived experience turns into real-time intelligence. A dedicated group of people within a specific context regularly share stories, images and feedback, making patterns visible the moment they emerge. The result is a dynamic, self-adapting loop for continuous monitoring, early warning and course correction.

Most Significant Change Stories

The Most Significant Change method collects personal accounts on how people see changes happen in their lives. The stories generate information about intended and unintended impact and learnings of what different groups and individuals value.

Listening Circles

In a Listening Circle individuals share stories—from their own experience or imagination—focusing on a common theme. As people share their stories, patterns emerge and people see both differences and similarities in the narratives.