Design Tool – Visualization

Challenge & Selection

Visualization or Visual Thinking is a tool I like using every time am to do a graphic

design so as create a pictorial representation of an intended graphic design. First, I

conceive it, then I draw a rough sketch of it on a piece of paper, then necessary

adjustments are made to the wireframe before implementing. I also employ

visualization when collaborating with co – graphic designers in order to achieve a

shared understanding of a problem space before attempting to identify and define

possible solutions to the problem. I often use this approach with our customers, who

want a unique graphical works like flyers, posters, magazines and other print and web

media.

Application

I apply visualization by first creating a straw man graphic of the problem domain. In

order to develop the straw man graphic, I sometimes from any existing material

available make a sketch to understand problem at hand. I sometimes get to know the

thoughts of my target audience by having an interview or chat with them.

Now in order to properly apply this design tool, I try to ask my client to explain what

he/she actually need in the graphic work to be done, I get to know her color choices,

brand and also what emotion the graphic work should convene. With the right

information I get from this client, I tend to make a picture of the intended designs, the

color combination, the light reflections and alignments, then sketching and designing

of the work begins. The end result is always an awesome job which the client

appreciates.

Insight & Approach

Some spectacular things I have learned from conducting this exercise with several

groups is that while try conversing the proposed graphic with a client, the have this

feeling of being in charge and this makes them more relaxed, focused and also being

able to give out maximum cooperation.

Visualizing a problem gives the different group of audience a focal point which enables

them to share their perspectives and develop insights into potential root causes of

their problems. Through a collaborative manner, they could create the graphic from a

blank slate starting with a straw man jump which starts the conversation for them.

With this, they can quickly identify their position in the graphic, more also, they can

more quickly gain new insights about relationships between key entities instead of

taking time to identify them.

With visualization, they can also identify variables in the problem space and be guided

on what area to get necessary information for the variables.

Since I discovered how exceptional visualization can be in a shared insights and

learning, I would never hesitate to use the visualization activity as a takeoff board for

my design thinking activities. Then the revised graphic with a combined feedback can

used as a reference tool throughout in the project.

