MERL Tech DC 2018

Because of its wide availability and ease of use, Microsoft PowerPoint is a popular software for representing Theories of Change (ToC). However, there are serious limitations to PowerPoint: the limited space can force the ToC to be overly simplified, version control makes it hard to develop ToCs in a participatory manner and it is difficult to edit the ToC once finished.

We will first discuss a range of alternative tools to develop ToCs and where they are best utilised. We will then present how we used Kumu to develop a robust ToC on a programme in Pakistan. Kumu is an online data visualisation platform that helps with the organisation of complex information into interactive relationship maps and lends itself well to the development of ToCs. In a hands-on presentation, we will present the steps involved in, and the benefits of using Kumu.

We will first demonstrate how we constructed stakeholder maps to represent the current state of the health system in Pakistan. We will then show how we used these maps, in combination with system mapping, to develop a robust programme ToC. Because all components are clickable, a deep dive into every aspect of the ToC is possible, which allows us to present a narrative, include photos and links to external sources. We will present how elements and connections can be decorated and labelled automatically, based on programme and external data.

It is hoped that session participants will gain an appreciation of the benefits of using Kumu in ToC development, and how it can be applied to their own work.