I Notice,
I Wonder

This is a versatile observation and curiosity-based activity used to encourage deeper analysis and uncover insights about a particular function or environment. It promotes objective observation before moving into interpretation and problem-solving.

Example Scenario: You’re seeking greater visibility into how participants access and navigate your programmatic offerings.

Instructions:

Define the focus and observe:

Identify the situation or environment you want to focus on. Then spend time alone, passively observing the focus.

Record “I Notice” and “I Wonder” statements:

Record specific, factual observations about what you see, hear, or perceive. Strive for objectivity and detail. During this time period, record questions, thoughts, and assumptions that also arise.

Share and discuss:

Share your “I Notice” and “I Wonder” statements with others and facilitate a discussion to explore different perspectives, identify patterns, and generate further curiosity.

Synthesize and next steps:

As a group, synthesize the observations and questions. Identify key insights, prioritize questions for further investigation, and determine actionable next steps.

I notice, I see, I hear, I observe; I wonder, I'm curious about, I'm thinking, What if

Notes:

  • Separate observation (noticing) from interpretation (wondering).

  • Be specific and detailed in your “I Notice” statements, avoiding assumptions or judgments.

  • This activity can be adapted for various context and environments, including images, videos, audio recordings, and interactive experiences.

Craving a more a guided and curated experience?