Challenge & Selection  Reflection – Visualization    The first tool I used was the tool of Visualization, or Visual Thinking, to achieve a shared  understanding of a problem space among a diverse group of stakeholders before attempting to  identify and define   possible solutions to the problem. I use this approach often with our customers, who are  government agencies working to apply technology innovations to modernize their mission or the  delivery of their services to their customer, which may be U.S. citizens, businesses, and  non-citizens. I have used the technique of using a straw man visualization of a problem domain  with a set of questions or prompts for discussion to allow a diverse group of stakeholders to  learn from each other in the process of defining the scope, boundaries, key elements, and  relationships between elements to consider when identifying pain points and opportunities for  improvements or solutions.   Application  I start the process by creating a straw man graphic of the problem domain. If materials are not  available, then I conduct informal interviews with one-three of the stakeholders who serve as my  main points of contact on the initiative. The straw man graphic is simple, using simple shapes  and icons available in Visio or on the Internet. If the front-stage/back-stage view doesn’t work,  then I will create a different type of visual, either based on a high-level process flow with swim  lanes for different stakeholders, or another format.  For the activity, I will divide the stakeholders into groups of 5-6 participants each representing a  different organization or area of interest. Each group receives a poster-size copy of the straw  man   graphic that they can write on directly, or use sticky notes to make comments. I give them  two-three questions to answer, such as: 1) What key elements are missing from the graphic? 2)  What would you   change about the graphic to make it more accurately reflect your problem space? 3) What key  insights do you have about the relationships between the entities in your problem space? I give  them approximately 20 minutes to discuss the questions and mark up the graphic. Then I have  each group report out on their answers to those three questions while pointing to the mark-ups  on their poster.    Insight & Approach  What I have learned from conducting this exercise with several groups is that while the graphic  – especially the revised graphic that incorporates their feedback – is important for reinforcing  their   understanding of the problem they are working to solve, the more valuable aspect of the activity  is the shared insights and shared learning that occurs while they are working to define their  problem space.

