Force Field Analysis
Description
Lewin’s Force Field Analysis is a simple process for considering the various forces impacting a system, and identifying ways to influence the state of the system.
To shift the state of a system, the forces driving change must be stronger than the restraining forces keeping the system in equilibrium.
Performing a Force Field Analysis helps us to notice the various forces keeping us in equilibrium, and find the levers available to us to shift the system into a different state. [1, 2]
Accessibility:
 | This activity requires participants to engage is sensemaking and pattern recognition |
 | This activity requires participants to read written notes on a large wall space |
 | This activity requires participants to engage in social learning |
Output: The output from this process produces a large scale wall map of forces, which can then be captured digitally through tools such as MURAL, IDEAFLIP, or MIRO.
Tool: a very small, contained, activity, which only has 1-2 steps. You'll apply this exactly the same way each time you use it.
Investment*: *low cost, low resources, low time, low skill
Outcomes
- Greater shared awareness of the various forces influencing your system, both those that are driving change and those that are reinforcing the status quo.
- Identify levers available to you to reinforce or weaken those forces to shape the system in a desired way.
When and Why Do I Use This
Define situation: Make sense of the current state and behaviour of your system by considering the forces that shape it
Gain clarity: Observe the dynamics of opposing forces that are acting upon the system
Find Leverage: Examine driving and restricting forces for levers to strengthen or weaken these forces