3.2.2 Big Picture OR Little Picture—Working At The Appropriate Level Of Aggregation
Choosing and working at the appropriate level of aggregation is important. Typically 200-400 relevant concepts, and sometimes more, may be identified in complex problems. Such large numbers of concepts become almost unmanageable. As the numbers of concepts goes up, so the practicality and intelligibility of the map reduces, becoming obscured by the massive amount of detail. It is impractical to work routinely at this very detailed level. The practical upper limit, even using tools such as Decision Explorer is considered to be around 200 concepts.
When working with focus groups in a workshop setting, the following can dictate the level of aggregation:
- time to access those with knowledge and experience and familiarity with the problem, or situation, under consideration;
- effort that may be involved in the compilation of maps; and
- effort needed to validate the maps. Groups are generally comfortable with maps containing 30-70 concepts.