Open Space

Open Space is a meeting framework that allows large groups to have self-directed, but structured discussions around a particular theme. The meeting is agenda-less at the start but the group works together to shape the discussion's format according to the knowledge, experience and energy of those in the room.

Advantages

Effective at bringing together diverse groups with potentially complex and conflicting points of view about a topic.
Effective at dealling with large groups.
Good at dealing with situations where people are willing to admit they don't know the answer but think they might generate something useful by working together, more creatively.

Disadvantages

Careful group/stakeholder selection is necessary for the technique to work effectively.
Won't work when people-particularly those in positions of authority- think that they know the answer and want to control the agenda.

When to use

Open space (sometimes called open space technology) is a technique developed by Harrison Owen in the mid 1980s. The technique is based upon anthropological evidence that meeting in a circle is the most productive for encouraging honest and frank discussion the open space refers to the space in the centre of the circle which symbolises the non-prescriptive