I like reading and writing – working with text is one of my greatest strengths. This fundamental literacy – which underlies almost all the other types of literacy – is critical in leading a modern life. Whether it one is enjoying a novel (or graphic novel), writing a report (or writing a blog post) – reading and writing are vital skills. As critical as these skills are, I am increasingly thinking about the importance of other methods of learning and communicating. When trying to solve a problem, other approaches can be useful.
To get started on visual thinking, I would suggest browsing around the Periodic Table of Visualization Methods (PDF file). How might one apply these methods? There are plenty of research applications. The tree method or metaphor (where you have a trunk, roots, and branches) could be used to show a progression over time (think family tree) or the relationship between groups. Then there is the “knowledge map” idea where you plot ideas as if they were features of a landscape (e.g. here is an amusing interpretation showing a knowledge map of the Internet communities). These kinds of approaches certainly help me in thinking about problems and ideas in new ways. Based on my experience, the act of using visualization method with a group can be very productive and engaging – using these methods thoughtfully can make meetings stimulating and more worthwhile at the same time.
Here are three specific applications where visualization methods could have immediate application for information professionals:
1. Use a tree metaphor or diagram to plot the history of an organization (this would be useful for archivists seeking to chart how a corporate body changes over time and its relationships and context – this diagram could be used a step between working notes on a fonds and the final description).
2. Use a process event chain in knowledge management. The idea here is that using this approach forces one to see every single step and identify tacit knowledge (which is both highly valuable but generally difficult to articulate).
3. Use a Gantt chart to plan your project; these charts are part of the standard toolbox of any project manager, but others can use them too. The value in using these is that they help one see how steps of a project relate to each other (e.g. procurement of supplies, graphic design, marketing etc) and in what sequence.
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Bruce,
I too have been thinking more about the importance of good design, aesthetics, and visual thinking.
As a literature major at heart, I was generally accustomed to researching and presenting my ideas solely via words on paper. It seemed to me that this was the ‘meat’ of my argument, and presentation was ‘just frills.’
Yet, as we sit through one after another poor PowerPoint presentation, you can’t help but think that we’re missing the point. I’m thinking about the power of a visualization to show relationships as you discussed in your examples, or the power of photographs and images to market your library (linking with your most recent post).
Now, how to gain the skills in order to best manipulate these shapes and figures?