Perceptions

Using the Digital Perceptions Tool

The perceptions tool is a 360 degree digital identity aid, a way of helping users reflect on how they are perceived by the people they interact with in online spaces.

The tool was built as a collaborative project by Lawrie Phipps, Donna Lanclos and Zac Gribble.

This is important!

It is still in development – so if you find bugs let us know using the feedback form.
The tool that we have built is a reflective tool, it is NOT a diagnostic, it won’t fix anything, and like all reflective tools beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
We suggest using the tool in a supported environment, perhaps as part of a workshop about using digital, or in coached sessions.
No data at all is collected by the website.

Using the tool

Using the tool is simple. We think you’ll get the most out of it when you follow the instructions.

At the bottom of this page you will find a link to the tool. Once you click on it you will be taken to the tool.
You will be presented with a grid of words and phrases. Select 6 of the words or phrases that you feel represent your online identity or your behaviors.
At the bottom of that page there is a box for you to enter a username – enter something that identifies you and then you are taken to a new page. This page shows you a “window” with 4 panes – in the bottom left (known to self) the words you chose will appear. We suggest you bookmark this page.
Below the window there is a link – and a “copy link to clipboard” button. Copy the link.
Send this link to 5 or 6 trusted colleagues. You could for example say something like:

Dear <insert name>
I am currently using a 360 degree feedback tool to help me reflect on my digital identity, and how I am perceived in my online interaction. As one of the people that I regularly engage with online I would welcome your honest feedback to help me reflect on my online self.
Regards/Thank you/etc.

When they access the link it will ask them to choose six words to describe your digital identity. The words they add that you didn’t choose will be included in the “Blind Spot” or “not known to self” pane.
The top left pane is the “Arena” where the words you have chosen match how others describe you.
The final box contains the words and phrases from the tool that neither you nor people describing you have used.
As we do not collect any data, you will have to check back using the link you bookmarked to see when people have completed the tool. You can also export it as a word document.

Using the information receive

The information you have received, the words and phrases that others have used to describe your behavior should not be perceived as “truths”. They are people’s impressions at a particular point in time. If you are using them to help you develop your digital practice then you should discuss them in a supported environment, with staff or educational developers, your line manager or trusted colleagues. Remember – this is not diagnostic – it is a reflective tool.

Coaching for Digital Practice

The idea for the tool came from people requesting support with their individual digital practice, whether in curating their identity, or developing it in different directions. If you are interested in being coached or supported in this way, or if you are interested in a workshop around these aspects of digital then please email us.

Go to the Digital Perceptions Tool

This will open in a new page so you can refer back to these notes and access the feedback form

Thanks, Lawrie, Donna and Zac