VizThink Challenge: What else can we see in the data?

This is part of a series of posts about the VizThink Challenge. Previous posts have covered how the challenge came about, an overview, what images were used, and what the words tell us.

Other levels of information

In this post we’ll be looking at the third and fourth levels of information derived from a VisualsSpeak Strategic Thinking process. Below are the four levels of data we analyze:

1. Which individual images were selected across all groups.
2. Analysis of the content of the written descriptions.
3. The visual language in the structure of each table’s image.
4. The intersection of the words and images, and how they are used together. Read more..

VizThink Challenge: What the words tell us

The VizThink Challenge offered Artrain a chance to have three facilitators using three different visual techniques work on an organizational challenge as part of the VizThink 08 conference. Forty table groups using the VisualSpeak ImageSet each created an image and wrote a description in response to the question:

How can we visualize the power of the Artrain experience to engage individual and corporate sponsors?

For the first level, we looked at the frequency of image use. We then invited our colleague Dr Rene-Marc Mangin to bring his perspective as a marketing communications consultant to analyze the narrative used by each table to describe their images. Read more..

VizThink Challenge: Which images were used and why it matters

The VizThink Challenge engaged close to 400 visual thinkers attending VizThink 08 to work on an organizational challenge with Artrain USA.

Forty table groups participated in the VisualsSpeak part of the process. Each table created an image and a written description in response to the question: How can we visualize the power of the Artrain experience to engage individual and corporate sponsors?

Each group used the VisualsSpeak ImageSet, so they all had the same 200 tested images to choose from. The set is organized into four main categories, each with three subcategories. We created a chart reflecting the category breakdown in the set. We then organized the images by how many tables used each one. Read more..

VizThink Challenge: Overview

At VizThink 08, we participated in a challenge to assist Artrain with an organizational challenge. They are transitioning from using trains to specially designed trucks to bring their exhibits around the country.

We didn’t have time to prepare, and there were two other facilitators and techniques working on the same problem. I worked with forty tables of participants, perhaps as many as 350 people. We were presented with a question, and had 30 minutes to respond.

Each table had the same 200 photographs and produced a collective image along with a written description. We have been looking at the data to see what kind of wisdom emerges from a large group of visual thinkers.

About the audience

Artrain wanted input on how to engage individual and corporate sponsors. This was an ideal audience to ask for this sort of feedback. The conference fees were significant enough to discourage those who were not totally committed to attend. The audience was composed of people who were already in visual thinking or were interested in the field. And their were representatives of major corporations there such as: Apple, IBM, Intuit, Microsoft, Wells Fargo.

Where the data comes from

We are looking at four sources of information.

1. Which individual images were selected across all groups.
2. Analysis of the content of the written descriptions.
3. The visual language in the structure of each table’s image.
4. The intersection of the words and images, and how they are used together.

Each one of these different data points can offer insight, as well as a big picture view emerging from the patterns running across all four of the information sources. Read more..

Artrain’s challenge

As part of the VizThink 08 conference, philanthropic partners were selected to take part. One of those selected was Artrain USA. For thirty seven years Artrain has brought artwork to rural communities around the country in an antique train.

“Artrain USA is America’s Hometown Art Museum. A nonprofit organization, its mission is to enrich lives and build communities through the arts. As an art museum housed in vintage rail cars and traveling via the nation’s railways, Artrain USA brings world class art exhibitions and art education programs to communities and their residents. Artrain USA delivers exceptional opportunities for learning, growth and art appreciation while encouraging the development of local cultural programs and organizations.”

Artrain visited the town I live in. I was very impressed with the quality of art, the way they had installed it in the train, and how the staff engaged us when we were visiting. So I was particularly thrilled when I discovered Artrain was the organization I would be working with for the VizThink Challenge. Read more..