Retooling Your Brain with Visual Thinking (Tools for Creative Thinking)

"The clarification of visual forms and their organization in integrated patterns as well as the attribution of such forms to suitable objects is one of the most effective training grounds of the young mind." 
—Rudolph Arnheim


I used to think that creativity is a natural talent God given to the lucky few. Thus only creative people will produce creative results. However, throughout my career as a training consultant, I discovered that if we give people the tools of creativity, they will produce similar outcomes. Quite often this can astound them and change their beliefs about their creative thinking abilities. This shows that creative thinking is a skill that can be learned. 
In this blog, I will share a very powerful method of thinking outside the box i.e. visual thinking. This method is powerful because it is able to bring out ideas in ways that the conventional method is not able to express. Numerous research has been conducted to prove the benefits of visual thinking since the first time the term was coined by German-born author and psychologist Rudolf Arnheim, and more research on how it affects the brain development has been continues by researchers like Abigail Housen etc.

Uses of Visual Thinking

This method of thinking can be applied to :
  • Note taking
  • Planning
  • Strategic thinking
  • Presentation guide/note
  • Presentations
  • Idea mapping
  • Brainstorming

Methods of visual thinking


 Actually there is no one right way of doing visual thinking. It is actually a collection of methods that uses pictures, drawings, flow charts, arrows, symbols, organisational charts, texts, diagrams, charts and interconnected by lines and arrows to show association of ideas and representation of concepts. 
As such below are some categories of items we normally used to draw association of ideas.

 1. Arrows. Arrows and lines are very important as they connect ideas. Different arrows also represent how the different ideas interconnect with each other. Use your imagination to represent the different ways to use them. They are a lot of fun. All you need is to google and find millions of samples. These are a few of my favourites.

2. Symbols. Use symbols to express ideas and clarify meanings because they can deliver clear meanings. This is especially true when you use universal symbols because they have been thought through and hence they deliver the message very quickly and clearly.

3. Charts and diagrams are a great way to deliver clear and succinct messages. They are universally understood and can replace a lot of words. Very often self explanatory and an excellent way to express ideas in the shortest possible time.


4. Texts. Using texts as a graphic element is also another way to generate as well as express ideas clearly to others. This is because we are creatures of habits and the moment we see texts we automatically read. The problem is when there is too much text, most people will simply shut off. Graphic elements on the other hand are carefully selected letters used in ways to illustrate ideas clearly to deliver meanings based on ideas.


5. Colors. Colors add emphasis focus to graphics elements. We think and see in colours. Wo why not use colour to generate better ideas in the thinking process ?




6. Draw ! Drawing is an activity much related to the right brain. The trouble is that many people believe they cannot draw. Actually, you do not have to draw perfect pictures. The idea is to represent your thought. If you can draw just a stickman to represent humans, that should be more than enough. I however believe, the skill of drawing is something that can be developed over time and the more you do it like anything else, the better you will get. In addition, there are so many apps that can teach you drawing techniques that can get you up and running very quickly. The desire to do is is all you need. Learn to draw from pictures you can google by categories like objects in the office, kitchen, garden, sports related pictures etc. Drawing actually encourages you to be more generative in creating ideas as it clarifies your thoughts or vision into reality. It will be the first time the idea becomes a reality. Much like architects putting ideas on paper, it then becomes a blueprint for implementation. As such when you express your ideas on paper, they do not only become clearer but also becomes more likely to be implemented !


7. Idea Connecting Tools. These are tools that connect ideas such mind maps, process flows, organisational charts and idea clouds. These tools are very useful ing visual think because they can illustrate ideas and show the relationship between ideas. 


These seven visual thinking tools are powerful when used in combination. It takes practice to get you to be familiar and skilful in using them but once you are up to speed, you will be able to produce creative and innovative ideas in no time. These elements are by no means exhaustive as new information and knowledge expands everyday. But the tools mentioned here while basic is able to allow you to produce immediate and out of the box solutions. 

Happy trying !
#creativethinking #visualthinkingtools #optimizingbrain #brainpower

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