Why should I use a background?

In the VisualsSpeak ImageSet manual we suggest using 12″ x 18″ construction paper as a background for assembling images. We do this for a couple of reasons. First, it gives people a starting place. Second, we use the placement of the selected images on the back ground to give us more information about the person.

When we worked with the development team, we asked different questions at different times. Sometimes it was a one part question, sometimes two. We began to notice that the overall patterns in how the selected images were assembled were similar each time. We pointed this out to them, and they would try to make different patterns. It never felt right to them. We suspect we are seeing something about the natural visual language of each person. There seems to be a corelation to the way people think.

The more linear thinkers tend to make images like these:

Photograph © Christine Martell

The more strategic thinkers tend to make images like these:

Photograph © Christine Martell

As we worked with this more, we discovered the patterns are most consistent when there is a short time to select and assemble the photos. We aim for five minutes. We have started charting these patterns across teams and watching how the patterns we see in the images relate to the patterns we see in behavior. We are seeing interesting trends.

Another reason to use the background paper is it helps people who like to work within the box. It gives those who like to line up the edges a guideline. The people who skew their images and expand way beyond the edges hardly notice the background. They also tend to be the people who find the process very comfortable. They don’t need assistance to make the process work for them.