Using a Wall of Words to Understand the Impact of Your Work
A wall of words or 'graffiti wall' is a space (physical or digital) where participants at a heritage site or event can write comments or keywords to reflect their opinions or feelings.
It is a quick and informal way to capture the immediate reactions of participants at an event through written comments on a shared display. You could also use short video interviews to record answers.
Example: Asking attendees at an event to write one word about their experience on a sticky note and place it on a wall.
Will a wall of words work for you?
Why it works
- Engages people quickly and informally
- Good for high-traffic events
Watch out for
- May exclude people with literacy, language, or accessibility needs
- Responses can be brief or lack depth without prompts or facilitation
- People might avoid sharing personal or critical feedback in a public space
- Needs regular attention to keep it tidy, relevant, and recorded for evaluation
- Make sure people do not share personal information such as email addresses or phone numbers on the wall of words, posted in a public place
Resources
Equipment
Sticky notes or cards, pens or markers (including ergonomic grips if needed), a large board, wall space, or digital platform for displaying comments, and optional recording devices (such as a video camera or smartphone) for vox pops.
Staff
One or more facilitators to explain the activity, encourage participation, assist those who need help writing or recording, manage the display area, and collect and analyse responses.
Cost
Low cost. Mainly the cost of stationery supplies (sticky notes, pens), printing prompts or signage, and optionally recording equipment (which can often be smartphones).
Ease of use
- Very easy to use
- Quick and informal for participants to engage with
- Minimal instructions needed
- Highly adaptable for different settings and participant abilities
Method
Display a clear prompt on a board or wall. See advice on writing prompts
Provide sticky notes, pens, or a digital option for responses.
Encourage visitors to add a word or phrase. Offer help with writing or alternative formats (such as drawing, or short video interviews or voice recordings) to include everyone.
Make it clear to people that they only need to respond to the prompts that resonate with them.
Photograph or collect the responses. If people include personal information which enables them to be identified, ensure that it is captured and stored in compliance with the UK data protection laws.
Make it accessible
- Provide multiple ways to participate: allow people to contribute by writing, drawing, or speaking. Offer assistive tools like large-print sticky notes, markers with grips, or voice recorders for those who have difficulty writing
- Use clear prompts and instructions: keep prompts short and easy to understand and provide examples. Use visual cues or symbols to support comprehension, especially for participants with language or cognitive challenges
- Ensure a comfortable and inclusive setup: place the wall or recording station in an accessible, well-lit area with space for people using wheelchairs or mobility aids. Have staff or volunteers available to assist participants who may need help expressing their thoughts. Let people know when there will be quiet times so they can take part when they feel more comfortable
Analysis tips
- Transcribe and organise: type out comments and group similar ones together
- Identify key themes: spot repeated words or ideas and tag them with simple themes (such as, belonging, fun, learning)
- Visualise or count: create a word cloud or tally common words or themes to show frequency
- Summarise insights: highlight what mattered most to participants and include a few standout words or quotes
Other methods for gathering evidence
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Counting Visitors
The options for counting the number of people participating in your heritage activities, with their strengths and weaknesses highlighted.
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Surveys
Use for collecting insights into opinions, experiences, or impacts. Surveys can be paper, online, or verbal, simple and quick, or more in-depth.
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Informal Group Conversations
Informal group conversations are a relaxed way to explore people's feelings, experiences, and any changes your work has brought about for them.
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Photo Stories
Participants document their experiences and thoughts over time through photos or drawings, providing rich insights into the impact of a program.
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Experience Mapping
Participants create visual maps that show their emotions, thoughts, or experiences at different points during a journey such as a programme or event.
