At Cense, we believe that transformative change and growth require more than just measuring outcomes—it demands learning systems that can adapt, evolve, and generate actionable insights in complex environments. Our approach to evaluation integrates cutting-edge methodologies with strategic design to create frameworks that support continuous innovation and system transformation.
To us, evaluation is all about telling the story of what you do and the impact you create. By doing better evaluations, you tell more compelling stories.
Design-Driven Evaluation for Complex Systems
Our distinctive approach to evaluation is design-driven, viewing programs and services as part of dynamic, living systems. This perspective transforms evaluation from a mere assessment tool into a catalyst for adaptive change.
We specialize in:
- Developmental Evaluation: Supporting innovation and adaptation in evolving, complex environments where traditional evaluation approaches fall short
- Principles-Focused Evaluation: Creating evaluative frameworks based on guiding principles that can flex with changing contexts
- Systems-Oriented Evaluation: Identifying leverage points, boundaries, and relationships that drive system change
- Design-Driven Evaluation: Embedding evaluative, design thinking throughout the implementation process
- After-Action Reviews and Sensemaking: We help you process what you’ve done, debrief, find insights, and translate those into actions.
Beyond Data Collection to Sense-Making
Our evaluation approach transcends traditional data gathering to focus on making meaning from complexity:
- Integration of Multiple Perspectives: We design evaluation frameworks that capture diverse voices and experiences, particularly those often marginalized in decision-making
- Creative Visualization: We transform complex data into accessible, actionable insights through innovative visual and interactive formats
- Rapid Prototyping: We develop and test evaluation frameworks quickly, allowing for iteration and refinement before full-scale implementation
- User-Centered Assessment: We design evaluation tools that consider the experience of all users—both those collecting data and those providing it
Creating Learning Systems That Transform
What sets our approach apart is the seamless integration of evaluation into organizational learning systems:
- Embedded Feedback Loops: We design mechanisms that allow evaluation findings to flow directly into decision-making processes
- Capacity Building: We equip organizations with the skills to gather, interpret, and act on evaluative data independently
- Adaptive Strategy Support: We help organizations use evaluation insights to navigate complexity and uncertainty
- Systems Change Assessment: We develop frameworks to understand how interventions affect broader systems, identifying both intended and unintended consequences
- Theories of Change: We help organizations articulate their value proposition, communicate, and understand the mechanisms behind why and how their programs and services influence change.
The Cense Difference
Our evaluation practice draws on Dr. Norman’s extensive experience as a Credentialed Evaluator and pioneer in design-driven evaluation approaches. We bring particular expertise to health innovation, social change initiatives, and complex system transformation efforts.
Our clients value how we:
- Transform Evaluation from Product to Service: Creating ongoing, adaptive evaluation systems rather than one-time reports
- Bridge Design and Evaluation: Integrating these disciplines to support continuous improvement and innovation
- Focus on Utilization: Ensuring evaluation findings are accessible, meaningful, and actionable for all stakeholders
- Balance Rigour and Creativity: Combining methodological expertise with innovative approaches to data collection and sense-making
Whether you’re developing a new program, adapting to changing circumstances, or seeking to understand your impact more deeply, our learning systems approach provides the frameworks needed to navigate complexity and drive meaningful change.
