The famous expression "A picture is worth a thousand words" is an undeniable truth. This saying holds absolute merit, meaning a single image can convey more information and understanding than a thousand words. Using images and drawings facilitates knowledge sharing and retention, fosters collaboration and the generation of ideas.
Since the dawn of humanity, we have employed drawings as a form of encoded communication. The advantage of images over words lies in their universality, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. They simplify complex concepts while simultaneously conveying a significant amount of information.
Nowadays, images are pervasive in our lives, from signs and icons on devices and appliances to the explosion of emojis used to express emotions. A study revealed that 82% of Brazilians prefer using emojis to express their feelings (Source).
In this context, the concept of "Visual Thinking" stands out. It leverages visual tools such as diagrams, charts, mind maps, sketches, and other visual representations to facilitate the understanding, analysis, and communication of ideas and concepts. It's based on the premise that our brains are naturally wired to process and retain visual information more efficiently than textual descriptions or verbalizations.
It's worth noting that some people comprehend the world exclusively through images. In an intriguing TED talk (source), Temple Grandin, an autistic scientist, shares her journey of self-discovery and describes three categories of thinking: visual, pattern, and verbal. Grandin emphasizes that all these thinking styles are important. You can also watch the film "Temple Grandin" on streaming platforms, which delves into her life (available on HBOMax in Brazil).
While I appreciate expression through words, I've always been deeply interested in visual tools for exploring ideas, synthesizing them, sharing them, and discussing them. In addition to two-dimensional options, three-dimensional models are beneficial, especially for interaction and experimentation.
In project management, particularly in agile methodologies, "Information Radiators" take center stage. These radiators include graphs and updated information that are readily accessible to the team through physical boards or virtual sharing platforms.
Benefits of Using Visual Tools
1. Aiding in Problem Visualization and Resolution
Tools like mind maps and diagrams enable you to visualize problems and their potential solutions, making it easier to identify root causes and develop effective strategies. By visually representing problems, ideas, and solutions, these tools simplify the breakdown of complex issues into manageable components.
2. Concretizing Ideas
Visual approaches have the power to make abstract ideas tangible. They provide an effective way to visualize things that don't yet exist, making communicating and understanding innovative or complex concepts easier.
3. Fostering Creativity and Innovation
Visual thinking encourages idea exploration through drawings, sketches, and other visual forms. It's an effective way to conduct brainstorming sessions and promote innovation, allowing professionals from different fields to collaborate creatively.
4. Facilitating Communication
Visual representations are often more accessible and easier to comprehend than textual or verbal explanations. Using visual approaches helps ensure clear and concise communication of ideas to a wide range of stakeholders, minimizes misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page.
5. Enriching Interdisciplinary Discussions
Visual approaches break down communication barriers between team members with different backgrounds and specializations. They provide a common visual language that helps align diverse perspectives, making discussions more productive.
6. Promoting Collaboration and Co-Creation
Visual tools facilitate collaboration among team members, stakeholders, and clients, aiding in goal alignment.
5. Supporting Planning and Decision-Making
Visual thinking assists in planning and decision-making. It allows you to view the big picture and details simultaneously, which is invaluable in project management and product development.
6. Exercising Empiricism
Visual tools, especially three-dimensional ones, provide a fast and cost-effective way to test concepts and gauge idea acceptance. They allow experimentation with practical ideas for valuable feedback.
These benefits, among others, make visual approaches versatile and powerful tools applicable to various professional domains, extending beyond project management.
Exploring Visual Tools
Next, I'll present various visual tools and references that can be valuable for Project Managers and other professionals.
1. Canvas
The use of the Canvas, which enables the exploration of different topics in a single view, gained popularity after the 2011 release of the book "Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers" by Alex Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur in co-creation with many contributors. This framework extends beyond business models and can be applied in project contexts. See references here and also here. It can also assist in career reconsideration, as discussed in the book "Business Model You" by Tim Clark, co-authored with Alexander Osterwalder, Yves Pigneur, and others.
2. Mind Maps
Mind maps have various applications, from personal use to work (including project management), education, well-being, memory enhancement, and brain training. Tony Buzan, the creator of this tool, offers valuable insights and guidance on its proper use in the book "Mind Map Mastery: The Complete Guide to Learning and Using the Most Powerful Thinking Tool in the Universe."
3. Diagrams
Many of these tools, such as Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), Ishikawa Diagrams, and PERT Diagrams, can be explored in project management-specific literature, such as publications from the Project Management Institute, including the "Project Management Body of Knowledge" - PMBOK (here) and the "Process Groups: A Practical Guide"(here). These tools are valuable for visualizing and analyzing projects, products, and processes. Swimlane diagrams are ideal for visualizing processes, especially involving multiple stakeholders or departments. They help illustrate who is responsible for each step of a process.
4. Graphical Representations
Various interesting types of graphs can be explored. Gantt Charts visually represent a project's schedule, showing tasks and their dependencies over time (it is worth mentioning that initially showing dependencies was not a part of Gantt Charts). They are beneficial for project planning and progress tracking. Cumulative Flow Charts allow you to visualize pending deliveries and bottlenecks. Flowcharts are versatile tools for mapping processes, decision trees, and workflows, helpful in understanding complex project processes and making them more transparent. Tools for analyzing team velocity and delivery progress, such as Burndown and Burnup Charts, are widely used in agile project management approaches.
5. Tables and Matrices
Tables and matrices can be used to visualize activities, resource allocation, risks, and problems and define communication strategies among stakeholders. The book "Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals" by Cole Nusbaumer Knaflic offers excellent visual presentation tips and best practices for chart and table formatting.
6. Roadmaps
Roadmaps provide a high-level visual overview of the direction and objectives of a product or project. They help align stakeholders and communicate the long-term vision of a project.
7. User Experience (UX) Design Tools
Tools like Experience Maps and Storyboards can be explored in the LinkedIn Learning path "Exploring a Career in User Experience Design." (see)
8. Sketches
Also, in the LinkedIn Learning path "Exploring a Career in User Experience Design," there is a specific course on sketching techniques for UX Designers, which can be helpful in sketches beyond technology applications. Free sketches are practical and easy ways to convey ideas quickly.
9. Models, Prototypes and Wireframes
These tools allow you to explore possibilities for interaction with products and ideas, especially those that enable physical and three-dimensional experiences. They are beneficial for interacting with ideas and confirming usability-related assumptions. In architecture, models are prevalent, as they are easier for non-experts to understand than blueprints. I have a particular affinity for paper and cardboard models. The renowned Brazilian architect Paulo Mendes da Rocha wrote a book titled "Maquetes de Papel," (Paper Models), which explores the importance of these models in the architectural design process.
It's important to note that various ways exist to explore these tools. Simple resources like paper, cardboard, whiteboards, and post-its are cost-effective and readily accessible, allowing easy editing and interaction among involved individuals. In addition to manual assembly, you can use supporting software in some cases.
If you've made it this far, I invite you to share your experiences. Exploring visual tools can significantly enhance your ability to communicate, problem-solve, and collaborate in various professional contexts.
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Published on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/visual-tools-success-empowering-project-managers-priscila-raesf/?trackingId=vnRsTHc1R5aNO2NrazUe1Q%3D%3D
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