Documentation Software
Keep the title options and the reasons on the same sheet
Imagine a small fictional exhibition of repaired household objects. Two proposed titles are “Second Use” and “Objects Repaired.” This original decision-packet exercise gives the discussion a shared page. It does not report a completed visitor study or a final curatorial decision. The purpose is to make the options and the reasons for considering them easier to examine.
01
State the audience and the decision before the options
At the top of the sheet, describe the exhibition in one sentence and identify where the title will appear, such as an entrance sign and a short programme listing. Write the decision as a question: which title should be taken forward for this exhibition? Then place the two exact titles in separate boxes. Keeping the wording stable matters because a small change can alter the discussion. If a third option emerges, add it explicitly rather than silently replacing one of the originals and making earlier comments difficult to interpret.
02
Place each reason beside the option it concerns
Under “Second Use,” a fictional contributor might note that the phrase connects to reuse but does not directly name repair. Under “Objects Repaired,” another might note that the subject is explicit but the phrase feels more descriptive than evocative. Attribute these as discussion notes, not findings about every visitor. Add a shared question: does the accompanying subtitle explain the scope clearly? The sheet now shows what each comment refers to. A reviewer can disagree with a reason or suggest a revision without reconstructing the entire conversation from scattered messages.
03
Record the outcome without erasing the discussion
Leave a separate box for the eventual decision, its date and the person authorised to confirm it. If the group wants another draft before deciding, record that next action rather than selecting a title to make the form look complete. Keep the option notes with the final record so a later reader can see what was considered. The completed packet contains context, exact options, attributed reasons, an open question and a distinct outcome field. It supports a focused review while leaving the actual choice with the responsible people.