VizThink: Can you learn to think visually?
by Christine Martell on December 9, 2007
in VizThink
Tony Karrer wrote a post the other day wondering about the connection between visual thinking and e-learning. He had been talking with Tom Crawford, who is the new CEO of VizThink in relationship to the conference which will be held January 27-29, 2008 in San Fransisco. I will be one of the facilitators at the conference. Tony wondered;
So, again, I highly respect Tom and the conference. And maybe it’s as simple as the fact that a lot of what we do in training, learning, education is try to crystallize the important points, and turn it into an engaging, meaningful learning experience. So, maybe it’s a parallel and very useful skill. But I have this sense that Tom thinks there’s more to it.
And, I just am still not sure I get what he’s seeing? What am I missing here?
I wanted to say, a whole world. But that isn’t very helpful.
The beginnings of the conversation
First Brent Schlenker dropped by to comment on Tony’s post and talked about the importance of design, and noticed that very few instructional designers are trained with these skills. I know when I speak for groups of e-learning professionals, they often are unaware of visual communication basics. But Tony then asked if visual thinking and design were the same skills?
I don’t think so, but often people who have learned one have also learned the other so it becomes difficult to separate at times. I do know in e-learning in particular, I often see programs that may be well designed from a graphic perspective while they show no understanding of how visual language could have made their learning better. I left a comment about this, and Tony came back with another round of questions
- I wonder though how teachable it is?
- And can I learn it from a conference?
- Without going to the conference, how could I get a sense of whether I could learn it (whatever it is)?
I answered these simply, and you can go over to Tony’s blog to see the short answer. But his questions really helped me see an opportunity for a series of posts that speak to this in more depth.
- Yes, it is teachable.
- Yes, you can learn parts of it at a conference
- Yes, there are things you can do to learn
Tony came back with some other questions which I will address in subsequent posts.
Dave Gray from Xplane stopped by next to comment, and opened with
I have so many questions and thoughts for you that I don’t know where to begin.
Me too. Which is why I decided I better write a series of posts. Dave has some great thoughts about the assumptions built about communication, the screen being visual and lots more that make it worth going over to read the comments. He will be one of the pre-conference and main facilitators at the VizThink conference.
I do hope you will join us at VizThink. If you use the code FCCM1 you can get $100 off your registration fee. I will be writing more about learning to think visually soon.
When I saw Tony’s post I wanted to write something similar to what you’ve said (yes, visual thinking is more than just good graphics), but I’m not that well-versed on the subject. Thanks for picking up the conversation, as I figured you might. I look forward to your posts as I won’t be able to make the conference, which looks quite interesting.
I agree that visual thinking and design are not the same thing in terms of the meaning we have built around it here, but I personally feel that fundamentally they kind of are.
This is possibly a semantic issue but my point goes like this, and of course its a personal perspective. Design is basically the application of form and structure to random ideas and notions.This applies as much in architecture as it does to culture as it does to new technology and landscape gardening. Also, from my perspective, visual thinking does the same thing. I observe that by the application of visual skill to the process of thinking we are indeed designing new value and meaning, creating order where that was previously none.
Well done on all of the effort to bring these topics to the fore. A critically important debate. Thanks
Christine, yes you are spot on.
It did take a long time and the process fraught with derision, skepticism and false dawns. I guess in my own evolution it sounds like it was different for me in one way. I was an art student who found it difficult to persuade the world that artists were valuable. It is seemingly becoming OK to talk about art/creativity again and in business it’s almost possible to describe the process of using visuals and structure to solve problems without being shown the door.
Business seems loathe to embrace it fully just now but we are certainly on the road in some meaningful way. It’s really good to meet other souls on this journey and between us we may be able to make a small dent, maybe even a better designed dent in this needy universe…
John
Creativity/innovation are becoming quite the buzz words in the business world. Still a ways to go as the business world, as a whole, still seems stuck in the idea of using left-brain tools and techniques to approach innovation. One step at a time.
Yes absolutely, one step at a time, the left brain legacy is indeed a powerful force, the inertia is palpable and the nervousness it promotes – a tangible reality.
As Christine says we must all hold fast to the excitement, wonder and energy we can observe in those that witness it and then hope that that spreads like wildfire.
My mission has become one of crafting a credible language with real and evidenced definition. Avoiding where possible the current language of things like graphic facilitation, or big pictures in favour of structure, rigor and proof. Not because I believe that that is the most powerful part but because it carries a larger proportion of the universe along long enough for them to witness the magic and power of the right brain with all its majesty and irrationality.
Hey ho, fellow crusaders, have a great holiday season!…
Harold,
Well you will be missed, but hopefully the conference wiki will capture nuggets of wisdom you can gather from where you are.
What do you struggle with or wonder about in the visual world? What do you think would help you if you understood better? Let me know, it will help me select topics to write about.
John,
I agree with it being fundamentally the same now, but was it always that way for you? For me, it has been more of a process. When I was younger people kept telling me artists work often doesn’t ‘mature’ until they are in their forties. I thought it was total garbage until I got into my forties and noticed my relationship with image making had indeed shifted. It was almost like I became an artist rather than doing art, it became who I am not what I do.
John,
At least now there is some recognition that it takes the whole range of thinking and skill to gain competitive edge in business. I recognize a weariness from those of us who have been trying to get the message across for a long time. I wonder if it is any easier for those who are coming out of school now?
The magic in the work for me is to go into a group who has never been exposed to visual tools, and watching the excitement, energy, and engagement that spontaneously erupts. Each time one of us facilitates a process, all of us benefit by showing the value of including other ways of thinking and working to achieve business results. I think we are getting there, and I am heartened to connect with other fellow souls also.