Visual Thinking in the Design Thinking Process
Visual Thinking is a critical piece of Design Thinking. In this workshop, we explored the tool as part of a larger set of skills we are developing. Before we jump into the material, however, we will take a moment to explain its relevance.
When we speak of innovation, and of Design Thinking in particular, Visual Thinking has many functions:
- Exploring with Empathy: Drawing is a great way to focus, capture ideas and see connexions for follow-up questions with the people we interview
- Defining the Problem: Sketching in space, be it through mindmaps or freestyle, allows us to notice connexions and themes that help us gather insights.
- Ideating: When we draw, we activate a different part of the brain than when we think with words — this taps into more generative ideas.
- Prototyping : A great way to walk through ideas and iterate on them is to roughly sketch them.
- Sharing: As we conclude the experimentation phases, we need to share back with the stakeholders the findings. Sketching is a great way to share complex ideas, relationships and results.
“Visual Thinking speaks volumes about the philosophy of Design Thinking”, says innovation expert and Design Thinking Montreal co-founder Nolwen Mahé. “In Design Thinking, it’s not just about thinking — it’s about Doing. And in Visual Thinking, you can see this principle in action: we involve our whole body as we work through and solve problems”.
Your Brain on Visual Thinking
Visual Thinking is not just a different way to communicate, it is a different way to think. Here is a little bit about the science behind it.
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