Applying Visualization and Collective Intelligence for Rapid Group Decision Making

Abstract

There is a need to rapidly collect subjective data from a diverse group of contributors to facilitate argumentation and group decision making that reflects the breadth and depth of the knowledge of the collective group. Methods currently exist, although they are subject to biases and lack traceability. A method and tool have been developed to apply collective intelligence and visualization concepts to enable such rapid decision making while overcoming the identified weaknesses. A pilot study to select the best technology to solve a Naval mission requirement was performed to assess the ability of the tool to: Enable informed decision making, assess differences in contributor mental models, and identify where there is or is not consensus. The method/tool was useful to these ends, warranting further research. Lessons learned were gathered and the validity of the approach was notionally examined, driving the identification of future work to be performed.