What is meant by different perspectives

A perspective is the way someone sees and understands something based on their experiences, knowledge, and values. People often have different perspectives on the same idea because they have different backgrounds, priorities, and ways of thinking.

For example, imagine an idea for a public art installation in a park.

• An artist might see it as a way to inspire creativity.
• A local resident might worry about how it will be maintained over time.
• A parent might wonder if it will be safe for children to interact with.
• A nature enthusiast might be concerned about its impact on wildlife.

Each perspective highlights different considerations, helping to build a more complete understanding of the idea and its potential impact.

Why it is important to seek different perspectives

Seeking out different perspectives when developing ideas is important because it leads to more creative and inclusive solutions. When people from different backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints contribute, ideas become stronger and more relevant to a wider range of people.

Diversity ensures that all voices are heard, helping to avoid bias and uncover challenges that might be overlooked. Without diverse perspectives, ideas may unintentionally exclude or disadvantage certain groups.

By actively seeking different viewpoints, individuals can develop more innovative, thoughtful, and effective ideas that benefit a broader audience.

How to use different perspectives to develop ideas  

There are a variety of ways to encourage different perspectives:

• Ask open-ended questions: Instead of asking if people like an idea, ask, “What do you think could be improved?” or “How would this affect you?”
• Talk to people with different experiences: A wider variety of voices leads to a richer discussion and makes ideas more inclusive.
• Be open to feedback: Make it as clear as possible that all viewpoints are welcome, even if they challenge your idea. This is important, otherwise others might just tell you what they think you want to hear. 
• Use different ways to gather input: Some people may prefer sharing their thoughts in a discussion, while others might prefer writing them down or showing ideas visually. Think about how you can make others feel as comfortable as possible so that they feel confident in sharing their perspectives. 

Once you have gathered different perspectives, the next step is to use them to make your idea stronger. 

1. Identify common themes: Are multiple people raising the same concerns or suggestions? These could be important areas to improve.
2. Look for new possibilities: A fresh perspective might suggest a feature or approach you hadn’t considered.
3. Balance different needs: Not every perspective will lead to a change, but considering different viewpoints can help find the best overall solution. You might learn that one feature that works for one audience might alienate another - think about how to manage these tensions carefully. 
4. Test and refine: If different perspectives suggest conflicting ideas, try small experiments to see what works best.

By actively seeking out different perspectives you will be able to widen your thinking and improve your ideas.