A new report Tool catalogue frame-based information tools has been published.
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
Compromise tools
- Reasoning and dispute elicitation
- Awareness of Frames, Framing, & Reframing (AFFR)
- Visual Representation of Discourse & Frames (VRDF)
- Community based auditing
- Other compromise tools
Judgmental tools
- Guidance for uncertainty assessment and communication
- Other judgmental tools
Computational tools
- Multi-criteria analysis
- Other computational tools
Download Tool catalogue frame-based information tools 
