A very valuable blog post (in my books) on improving communication by making it visual was featured on MITs CoLab Radio blog. Check out Elizabeth Johansen’s photo (above). It clearly illustrates the project focus, which some refer to as a “storyboard approach”.
Now, I work with some very talented thinkers on a daily basis, and I’ve collaborated with designers in the past, but I wasn’t accustomed to the habit of sketching and white boarding every thought in images. This is really effective no matter what the project or meeting is, and it’s fantastic for relaying abstract thoughts, when trying to sell an idea, or to generate more ideas from a group. It really is effective because it adds weight to your thoughts and ideas—and what’s great about it is that you don’t have to be an artist to utilize it effectively.
Why is visual communication so effective?
1.The brain, by nature, tends to remember visual depictions more often than text.
2. Images break the details of a project up into digestible bits of information—which are much easier to take in and understand.
3. Images also function as a checklist to verify details between project stakeholders and us.
4. This way, project point-of-view can be referenced to at-a-glance.
5. Keep the visual communication in everyone’s view to keep the project on track.
6. Post-Its allow things to be easily updated with new information.
Now, can you “picture” how using visualization in your projects can engage additional parts of the brain and help you and your colleagues break out of old thought patterns?