When a group has generated a wall of ideas, someone has to decide which ones to pursue. Discussion alone tends to favor the loudest voices. Dot voting is a quick, visual way to let everyone weigh in at once. This guide explains how dot voting works, how many dots to give, its variations, and its limits.
What Is Dot Voting?
Dot voting (also called dotmocracy, multi-voting, or sticker voting) is a prioritization method in which participants place a limited number of dot stickers, or digital dots, on the options they prefer. The options with the most dots rise to the top. It takes a few minutes and works in person or online.
How to Run Dot Voting
- Display the options. Post all ideas where everyone can see them. Combine duplicates first.
- State the criterion. Be specific: “Vote for the ideas with the most impact for students” is better than “Vote for your favorites.”
- Hand out dots. Give each person the same number.
- Vote. Everyone places dots at the same time. People may put more than one dot on an idea unless you say otherwise.
- Count and discuss. Cluster the top ideas and talk about why they got votes. Ask about strong ideas that got few votes.
- Decide. Dot voting informs the decision. Confirm what the group or decision-maker will act on.
How Many Dots Should Each Person Get?
| Number of options | Dots per person |
|---|---|
| Under 10 | 2 or 3 |
| 10 to 20 | 3 to 5 |
| 20 to 40 | 5 or 6 |
| More than 40 | Cluster first, or vote in two rounds |
A common rule of thumb is about a third of the number of options, capped so people still have to choose.
Dot Voting Variations
- Colored dots: different colors for different criteria, such as green for impact and blue for ease.
- Silent voting: no talking during voting, to reduce influence from others.
- Private voting first: people write their choices down before placing dots, so later voters are not swayed by early ones.
- Super vote: one special dot for the decision-maker, as used in design sprints.
- Heat map: people put small dots on the parts of each idea they like, before the final vote.
- Two rounds: vote to narrow a long list, discuss the shortlist, then vote again.
Dot Voting Online
Most online whiteboards have a built-in voting tool that limits votes per person and hides results until the end. In a video call without a whiteboard, use a poll with multiple selections, or number the ideas and ask people to post their picks in the chat at the same moment.
Pros and Cons
Pros: fast, inclusive, visual, and it reduces the influence of dominant voices.
Cons: it measures preference, not quality; early votes can sway later voters; and options described more clearly tend to win. Treat the result as input to a decision, not the decision itself.
Related guides: the parking lot technique, workshop roles, workshop agenda examples, and what is a hackathon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can people put all their dots on one idea?
Allowing it shows strength of feeling. If you want spread, set a rule of one dot per idea.
What is the difference between dot voting and ranking?
Ranking asks people to order every option. Dot voting only asks for top choices, so it is faster with long lists.
Is dot voting anonymous?
Not in person, since others can see where you place dots. Online tools can make it anonymous.
