What is the discussion experiment?
The discussion experiment is a project with the aim of developing techniques for conversations that make it easier for participants to reach a common understanding of a topic despite differing opinions. It reduces misunderstandings, topic jumps and conflicts to make discussions more inspiring and fun.
To achieve this, different approaches are tried out in practice and continuously improved, always with a focus on finding simple and robust methods that participants find interesting and enriching.
Creating clarity instead of arguing
A key approach of the discussion experiment is to transform the process of debating into a process of joint reflection and clarification.
The participants express their positions according to clear rules and are assisted in identifying and naming the core of their own statement. A live visualisation of these core statements helps the group to gain orientation on the subject and to reference each others‘ positions.
Slowing down the conversation to move faster
In the discussion experiment, the conversation is significantly reduced in pace. All important arguments are documented and made immediately visible. As a result, differences of opinion can be captured without the need to discuss them immediately. This takes the pressure off the participants to have to refute „wrong“ statements immediately and leads to a more productive and less antagonistic exchange.
Creating new discussion dynamics through joint facilitation
The participants of the discussion experiment are enabled to take co-responsibility for the moderation of the discussion. This happens both through easily comprehensible rules and through various tools for co-directing the course of the discussion. This results in a change of perspective and greater motivation to contribute to the success of the discussion.
FAQ - frequently asked questions
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The discussion experiment is a format for exchanging and forming opinions. At the end of the discussion, the participants should have a deeper understanding of the problem, their own opinion and the opinion of others. Ideally, the group will have a clearer understanding of where exactly there are differences of opinion and where participants agree more than they had thought.
Currently, the method is not designed as a decision-making format, however a decision-making process can easily be added.
The method is helpful whenever a group of people wants to come to a shared understanding of a complicated issue. These can be controversial political or moral issues, as well as pragmatic questions within an organisation.
At the events in the series – which serves as a testing ground for the format – , we discuss socially relevant questions such as: Is it immoral to bring children into the world today? Are we all too apolitical, or too politicised? Should „the West“ shut up about human rights?
The method is suitable for all group sizes. The systematic procedure can help to establish mutual understanding even in a conversation between 2 people. Very large groups can also use the method, as it allows for a quick change between an active and a listening role.
So far, groups of between 4 and 25 people have taken part in the events of the series.
The Discussion Experiment is a private project by Igor Don and Maria Scholze. Igor founded it in 2022, and Maria joined at the end of 2025. We are currently redesigning the site and will share more about us here soon. In the meantime, you can also find Igor on Linkedin.