Workshops

Definition

Workshops are structured, facilitated group sessions where multiple stakeholders collaborate to elicit, analyze, validate, or prioritize information. Unlike interviews, which focus on individual perspectives, workshops emphasize shared understanding, alignment, and collective decision-making. They are especially effective when multiple viewpoints must be reconciled and agreement is required.

Inputs

• A defined workshop objective (discovery, requirements, prioritization, or decision)
• A prepared agenda with time-boxed activities
• Identified participants with the right roles and decision authority
• Pre-read materials distributed in advance where applicable

Outputs

• Shared understanding of scope, requirements, or decisions
• Resolved conflicts and agreed priorities
• Documented outcomes: requirements, decisions, action items
• Improved stakeholder buy-in through co-creation

When to Use

• Multiple stakeholders influence outcomes and cross-functional alignment is required
• Conflicting perspectives exist that must be surfaced and resolved
• Time-boxed elicitation is preferred over sequential individual sessions
• Prioritization or trade-off decisions require transparent group agreement

When Not to Use

• Topics are highly sensitive or politically charged — individual conversations first
• Stakeholders are unwilling or unable to collaborate productively
• The BA lacks facilitation authority or experience for the group dynamic
• Participants are geographically or logistically unavailable