Visual thinking tools is a module in visual thinking school, a course designed to help you learn how to think and communicate better using the visual part of your brain.
The right tools can help you think better. Probably the best tool for any kind of thinking is still the pencil or pen and paper combination. It never crashes, it takes no time to start up, it's light as a feather and quite portable.
There are plenty of computer-based visual thinking tools as well, but this module focuses on the real-world variety.
Here are some tools to improve your visual thinking, either as an individual or in a group.
Contents at a Glance
Markers add a color dimension
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Next mini-course module
- Visual thinking spaces
- Thinking spaces can be anywhere. As you work on your visual thinking you will find that some spaces are good for thinking and others are not.
- Return to main
- Go back to the visual thinking school home page.
by dgray
Dave Gray is the founder and CEO of XPLANE, the visual thinking company. The company's vision was formed and continues to be driven by Dave's passion for... more »
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