Visualization

Challenge & Selection

Three or four years ago, I used a visualization tool, because I understood that understanding  between people is a key part of the workflow. Without understanding between team members,  people go to different directions, resources are wasted, and projects are dying.

It was thanks to visualization, long before I learned about the design of thinking, I had to  synchronize people with each other and direct them to one goal.

Today I am developing the product of the loyalty program and I cannot imagine my work  without visualization tool at all.

Application

My first meeting with the visualization tool took place when I read the book «The Art of  Explaining» Lee Leafever. Even then, I understood the importance of the correct transmission of  information. Information that people need to understand.

I started with the fact that any task or project passed a visual filter. I just drew what I had to do.  When I was drawing, I saw empty zones and unasked questions. Then asked questions to  business stakeholders and corrected the final picture. At the output, a visual map of the process  or task was obtained, which was approved by all participants and then went to work.

When I became a product manager, visualization of tasks became a habit. Together with  business stakeholders, we filled out briefs with key questions on the task and created visual  maps with user journeys.

This visual maps along with the brief was transferred to the development team, which could  plunge into the context of the task and see the final picture of the task. Thus, we saved a  tremendous amount of time on additional questions and clarifications, and business  stakeholders expectations met the result. Everyone is happy!

Insight & Approach

The main insight that I got from using the visualization tool is a demonstration of how people  get involved in tasks when they start drawing with you.

At one point, your colleague approaches you, takes a marker from your hand and starts to draw  your scheme. This way you get the full attention of the stakeholders. They participate in the

process and become a part of it. They believe in what they invested, which means they will do  everything to make the project outstanding.

I think this is how teams are born. Those same informal teams, motivated and passionate,  those who create the best products.

