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SenseMaker

by Cognitive-Edge · Since 2005
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ActiveAvailable globallyCloud
Quick facts
VendorCognitive-Edge
Year launched2005
StatusActive
LocationPlas Eirias Business Centre, Colwyn Bay, United Kingdom
Countries servedGlobal
Languages1
Integrations1+
Free tier
Free trial
Contact salesYES

About SenseMaker

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SenseMaker by Cognitive Edge is an innovative decision support software that helps users make sense of complex data and information to drive better decision-making. One of its standout features is its ability to analyze qualitative data, such as narratives and stories, using a unique approach called Sensemaking. This allows users to uncover patterns, connections, and insights that may be hidden in traditional data analysis methods. The user interface of SenseMaker is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, with features that enhance the overall experience. The software provides visualizations and data representations that are easy to understand, making it accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise. Its dashboard layout allows for easy navigation and quick access to key functionalities, improving usability. The core functionalities of SenseMaker set it apart from its competitors. Its Sensemaking approach leverages human interpretation and understanding to analyze complex data, offering a more holistic and nuanced view of the information at hand. This innovative aspect allows users to gain deeper insights and make more informed decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of the data.

Pros & Cons

What users like
  • +Empowers Participants
  • +Self-signification preserves the integrity of individual context and reduces interpretation bias.
  • +Reveals Hidden Patterns
  • +Makes it possible to detect weak signals and emergent behaviors not visible through traditional surveys or metrics.
  • +Highly Adaptable
  • +Can be tailored to sectors like public policy, healthcare, education, NGO work, innovation, and organizational change.
  • +Supports Complex Decision-Making
  • +Ideal for messy, dynamic environments where clear answers are not immediately available.
What users flag
  • Steep Learning Curve
  • Requires time and training to effectively design frameworks and interpret results.
  • Complex Interface for Beginners
  • Tools like triads, dyads, and heatmaps may confuse users unfamiliar with complexity concepts.
  • Not a Traditional Survey Tool
  • More involved than typical survey platforms—may be too advanced for simple feedback collection.
  • Requires Custom Analysis
  • Lacks standard “one-click” reports; analysis often requires expert interpretation.
  • Participant Onboarding May Be Needed
  • Participants may need guidance to understand how to enter stories and use the self-signification tools.

Features

Key features

Micro-Narrative Collection & Self-Signification
Participants share short, personal stories ("micro-narratives") and assign their own meaning using visual tools like triads and dyads, capturing deep contextual insight from their own perspective.
Pattern Detection in Complexity
Aggregates thousands of self-signified stories into visual patterns (density maps, contour plots) to detect emergent trends and systemic signals across complex environments.
Configurable Engagement & Framework Tools
Enables users to design custom questionnaires ("Engagements") and analysis models ("Frameworks") to suit specific decision-making or research contexts.
Real-Time, Participatory Analytics
Provides live, interactive dashboards for teams to explore patterns in narrative data and examine individual stories for qualitative depth.
Iterative Sensemaking Process
Supports continuous feedback cycles—design, collect, analyze, respond—ideal for adaptive strategy and responsive intervention in complex systems.

Additional features

Distributed Ethnography
Collects and codes real experiences at scale, allowing diverse participants to self-interpret their own stories without external analyst bias.
Use of Triads, Dyads, and Sliders
Offers nuanced signifier tools for meaning attribution that allow multidimensional data capture beyond linear surveys.
Visual Mapping & Analysis
Displays data via scatterplots, heatmaps, and contours to highlight clusters, gaps, and system dynamics.
Multi-Modal Engagements
Supports storytelling, surveys, journaling, MassSense simulations, and scenario-based sensing to capture diverse data types.
Custom Dashboard Configuration
Design and manage data collection tools, frameworks, and access rights from a centralized interface.
Pre-Built Template Library
Offers reusable templates for common applications like culture scans, civic sensing, and change management.
Narrative Drill-Down
Users can click on any visual data point to read the actual story behind it for richer interpretation.
Data Segmentation & Filtering
Allows comparative analysis by demographics, regions, themes, or time windows.
Iterative Longitudinal Probing
Enables repeated data collection over time to detect shifts, tensions, or transitions in complex systems.

Pricing

Free trial
Free version
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Countries & Languages

Global
Countries served
1
Interface languages
10
Billing currencies

Interface languages

English

Billing currencies

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