Understanding Through Seeing
How Visuals Support Decision-Making Processes
Our language is full of imagery, and Vera Birkenbiehl demonstrated years ago: we learn better when we provide our brains with visuals.
Visualization has long been established in the world of training and workshops, but recently in increasingly elaborate forms. Often, graphic recorders are even hired to summarize discussions and decisions into true works of art. Visualization is trending—but what do these beautiful images actually achieve?
While we are not artists, we have explored various visualization methods in depth and tested them in workshops.
There are roughly two types of visualization used in workshops and seminars: graphic recording and visual facilitation.
In graphic recording, the core content of presentations and discussions is translated into symbols, simple drawings, and (as few as possible) words, then captured on large-format paper or projected using an iPad and projector. A graphic recorder typically does not intervene in the process but focuses on documenting the results.
In visual facilitation, documentation and moderation merge. The facilitator leads the workshop using visual aids, incorporates participants’ suggestions and ideas, and documents what happens in the room.
In our experience, interactive visual facilitation in particular has a very positive impact on both the process and the outcome:
Visual facilitation has proven effective in a wide variety of workshop situations. We use the method in branding and strategy processes, in positioning, and for ideation workshops, and we are constantly amazed at how much more effective these processes become through the visuals developed by the participants.
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