Dispute Visualization is designed to simplify complex aspects of a dispute into visual representations that make abstract and multi-dimensional details more comprehensible. Dispute Visualization is provided either as a standalone service to facilitate resolving a dispute or making a decision or deal, or along with Dispute Resolution Analysis, as part of the preparation and process of Negotiation or Mediation. It’s all about simplifying complexity, since so many disputes involve complicated fact patterns and legal arguments that become difficult for stakeholders to comprehend and then integrate into effective and efficient negotiating and decision making.
Various visual representations can be used depending on the aspects of the dispute that need to be understood. For example, Mind Maps facilitate understanding the full scope of a dispute and organize the issues. Sequence Diagrams highlight the sequence of interactions between the parties or processes to facilitate identifying how a dispute escalated due to a breakdown in obligations or expectations and where intervention might be most effective. Timelines facilitate a shared understanding of the sequence of events by establishing a chronological arrangement of events of the dispute. And, Flow Charts can identify cause-and-effect relationships and clarify rules, roles and procedures, which facilitates understanding the underlying issues needing to be addressed to move toward resolution.
When parties and other stakeholders can “see” the dispute, they are better able to understand relationships, identify areas of agreement, view legal language and argumentation more intuitively, and negotiate collaboratively toward resolution. Dispute visualization reduces bias by facilitating more informed and rational decision making. It also provides a shared reference point that can reduce misunderstandings and enhance cooperation.