In the perception, knowledge production and policymaking on complex issues (‘wicked problems’), such as climate change, frames and framing play an important but often hidden role. Frames relate to one’s ‘schemas of interpretation’; the conceptual images, values, starting points, and mental models that one may have of an issue. This can include, for instance, one’s problem definition, perceptions of the cause-effect relationships in an issue, one’s primary goals, perception of one’s and others’ roles and responsibilities relating to the issue, and views on suitable strategies and interaction with (other) stakeholders
Differences in frames can lead to miscommunication and conflicts. This tool catalogue is intended as an idea-guide and eye-opener for organisations who are confronted with framing-related issues and who want to take these into account when developing knowledge, policy, or viewpoints. The catalogue does not aim to give a complete list of methods. Rather, it will present a number of characteristic examples of how various tools deal with framing. Some suggestions will be given on the situations for which these approaches are most suitable. For more extensive overviews of participatory methods, refer to the various stakeholder participation guidelines and catalogues that are available (several references have been included in the present document).

Download Tool catalogue frame-based information tools

The following tools are presented:

Inspirational tools

• Cognitive aids for problem structuring
• Goal-hierarchical reframing
• Other inspirational tools

• Reasoning and dispute elicitation
• Awareness of Frames, Framing, & Reframing (AFFR)
• Visual Representation of Discourse & Frames (VRDF)
• Community based auditing
• Other compromise tools

• Guidance for uncertainty assessment and communication
• Other judgmental tools

• Multi-criteria analysis
• Other computational tools