This simple demo project illustrates one approach to applying Tiny Soapbox concepts. (Want to participate in this? Sign up here.) Recall that we think of explanations as tangible objects. In our universe, when someone wants to explain something, they create an object called a Tiny Soapbox: It’s an at-a-glance view of their explanation. This approach guides people to:

1. Make it concrete: Make a substantive statement, and explain it using this format: Identify a specific action or occurrence ‘A’ and associate it with a goal, outcome, or expected result ‘B’.

2. Make it convincing: Provide evidence (data, findings, examples, etc.) to support the statement.

3. Keep it tiny: There’s a time and place for lengthy narrative, but a Tiny Soapbox isn’t it.

Here’s an example. In the following Tiny Soapbox, Mark, a business analyst, is explaining findings that compare the cost of implementing a Network Appliance solution to CLARiiON. His explanation is evidence-based and easy to find.

This conversation is guided, not free-form, to set expectations:

1. Explanations are concise, reducing information overload.
2. Contributions are structured according to a common format.
3. Supporting evidence is provided transparently.

Take “Less is more.” to a whole new level. Guided conversations enabled by Tiny Soapbox can fit big ideas into small spaces.

In this example, Cathy, a software product manager, is explaining why she believes her company should adopt a freemium pricing model: She claims this will result in more paying customers. As supporting evidence, she references a research report.

Capture the conversation. Tiny Soapboxes can be combined, as shown here: A set of explanations will emerge, capturing people’s insights on a particular issue.

Specifics depend on the context: Explanations of medical research might look different from recommendations for software architecture. But every Tiny Soapbox is an at-a-glance view of an important explanation, accompanied by supporting evidence, presented in a condensed form.

We’ve got more examples. See how else you might apply Tiny Soapbox to what you do.

Ready to try this? We advise executives on software strategy, and offer Tiny Soapbox 101 seminars. Email us at soapbox@uglyresearch.com or call (303) 618-4479 for more info.