We recommend you make the most of Visual Thinking to help people co-create. This wide and growing field includes Info-graphics, Graphic Recording and Visual Facilitation, all of which are becoming increasingly popular. Think of them as a range of visual techniques. The first, Infographics, expertly interprets information graphically so that it is easy to understand complex and changing data. In Graphic Recording, a specialist illustrator creates a contemporaneous visual record of your group interaction (usually colourful and memorable). In the third, a facilitator employs visual media to direct and powerfully assist your group’s process.
Pattern Thinking
Let us take a step beyond these three in order to reveal a further level in which ideas are represented as moveable objects. This engages everyone in mapping and modelling, in place of linear thinking, to reveal patterns of thought. So participants articulate their ideas as objects and therefore make sense as they manipulate them in a structured process.
The simplest medium for this technique is sticky notes, which you move around on a sheet of paper or whiteboard. However because of the ephemeral nature of the medium people rarely take this seriously, therefore fewer people actually develop any depth of technique. Specialist media make a difference.
With a little training, this trick of using moveable objects can make a huge and significant difference to the quality of people’s thinking. Furthermore, as well as bringing ideas themselves into relationship, it changes relationships between participants and encourages shared ownership of results.
LogoVisual Thinking
LogoVisual Thinking (LVT) is a highly evolved form of this technique. LVT arose from the Structural Thinking developed by J.G. Bennett in the ‘60s. Centre for Management Creativity, based at High Trenhouse, further developed LVT through the turn of the century.
In LVT we generally make use of Magnetic dry-wipe shapes displayed on whiteboards. Also simple protocols enable people to think collaboratively to achieve high quality outcomes. You can augment this simple hands-on medium with software for capture and ease of storage and transmission. Simple protocols enable people to think collaboratively and achieve high quality outcomes.
Further information on the LVT methodology.
Contact us about how LVT can enhance your team’s creativity now and in the future.
For more information on the tools go to our associate business www.logovisual.com