A workshop is a structured session where a group produces something together: a decision, a shared map, a prioritised list. If nothing needs producing together, hold a meeting or send a document.
Written as practical advice. Where a step rests on established research practice, the source is listed under References. Nothing here is a universal rule.
State the goal, the agenda and how decisions will be made. Set up a visible parking lot.
Briefly. The pre-read did most of this.
Give people silent time to write before discussing, so the loudest voice does not set the answers.
Group what was written. Name the groups together.
Vote or rank. Say clearly that this is now deciding, not brainstorming.
Read back the decisions. Give every next step an owner and a date.
Senior designer note“Not every problem needs a workshop.”
References