Pin-Card Technique

CORE DEFINITION

The Pin-Card technique collects and organizes group input using physical cards. Each participant writes ideas on cards individually and silently, then posts them on a wall or board, and the group clusters similar cards together, names the resulting themes, and ranks or votes on them. The silent writing phase distinguishes the technique: it gives every participant an equal opportunity to contribute before discussion begins, which prevents the loudest voices from setting the agenda. It also makes the reasoning visible as a physical arrangement that can be rearranged.