Visual thinking tools

Color sparks creative thoughts. Having colored markers handy can help generate great ideas.

But remember -- flipchart markers and dry-erase markers don't mix!

If you do happen to accidentally use a flipchart marker on a dry-erase board, here's a cool trick to removing it. Carefully draw over the lines with a dry-erase marker, then erase as you normally would.

Sticky notes are useful in several ways:

1. They are small, so each note generally contains a single discrete thought or idea.

2. They're modular. They can be arranged and rearranged till a pattern or sequence emerges.

3. They stick to things!

Because they lose their stickiness over time, sticky notes are better for short-term thinking such as a group meeting. For longer-term modular thinking, use index cards.

Index cards are also small and modular.

In addition they are more portable. Because they aren't sticky they can be more easily moved, sorted and filed.

There are many ways to use index cards for modular, visual thinking. Some people use binder clips to hold them together. You can also use 3.5" x 6.5" coin envelopes to file them and/or carry them around -- they're a perfect size to hold a batch of cards.

Use index cards for longer-term thinking, such as writing a book.