Case Study – Visual Thinking

Challenge

I work in an MNC leading a 7-member strategy team designing Pre-sales strategies in improving the win  ratios. In war room calls for each of the requirement lot of time used to get wasted heading towards  ambiguous output. By the time of deadline, we further compromise and go with a choice of choosing one  rather than combined structured and concrete opinion. We also observed difference in understanding the  context of the requirement during requirement gathering from person to person and it also lead to mixed  outputs.

Selection

Chosen Visual Thinking, to achieve a diversified opinion within the group before attempting to identify  and define possible solutions or approach. I have used the technique of 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 points/actions 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/requirement statement with key  highlights. I will draw on the PowerPoint/Visio based on the inputs received from the stakeholders. This  is converted into small sub categories and each category is distributed among the team members. Each  group receives a template of the straw man graphic that they can be developed further using  PowerPoint/Visio, or use the white board to draw and make comments. Each group should focus on –

a) Include Analytical views    b) Step by step flow or insight which is accurately reflecting the problem/requirement

Ample time lines are provided to discuss and generate the Visio/PowerPoint. Then I have each group  report out on their views while pointing to the mark-ups on their output. As each group reports out, I  record commonalities in the insights of each group, and then additional insights that come from the group  discussion on an additional copy of the Visio/PowerPoint. After the session, I digitize each group’s output  as an artifact, create a view that combines the shared and new insights from the group discussion, and  then create a revised output that incorporates their feedback and proposed changes that they agreed to  as a group (Reference from the Good Kitchen Case Study).

The template I often start with also has a column on the left to identify Partners and Value Chain Providers  and a column on the right to add constraints. The straw man graphic is simple, using simple shapes, icons  and colors available in Visio or on the Internet.

Insight & Approach

What I have learned from the above Visual Approach with several groups is –

  Revised combined output 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/Requirement.

  The Visio/PowerPoint gives the diverse group of stakeholders a point for discussion that allows  them to share their perspectives and develop insights into potential root causes of the pain area  in the problem/requirement. While they could create the graphic from a blank slate in a  collaborative manner, starting with a straw man jump starts the conversation for them.

  They can gain new insights about relationships between key entities instead of taking time to  identify them. They can also identify variables in the problem/requirement – that is, it helps them  to identify what they don’t know, in what areas they need to obtain information or data to provide  the values for the variables.

  The most valuable aspect is the shared insights and learning; the visualization activity can be a  good starting point for a series of design thinking activities. Then the revised graphic that  incorporates combined feedback can serve as a reference tool throughout the remainder of the  work.

  I would to like to take up Mind mapping and storytelling which would aptly fit to our work and  can benefit out team.


Case Study – Visual Thinking Challenge I work in an MNC leading a 7 - member strategy team designing Pre - sales strategies in improving the win ratios . In war room calls for each of the requirement lot of time used to get wasted heading towards ambiguous output . By the time of deadline , we further compromise and go with a choice of choosing one rather than combined structured and concrete opinion . We also observed difference in understanding the context of the requirement during requirement gathering from person to person and it also lead to mixed outputs . Selection Chosen Visual Thinking , to achieve a diversified opinion within the group before attempting to identify and define possible solutions or approach . I have used the technique of 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 points / actions 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 / requirement statement with key highlights . I will draw on the PowerPoint / Visio based on the inputs received from the stakeholders . This is converted into small sub categories and each category is distributed among the team members . Each group receives a template of the straw man graphic that they can be developed further using PowerPoint / Visio , or use the white board to draw and make comments . Each group should focus on – a ) Include Analytical views b ) Step by step flow or insight which is accurately reflecting the problem / requirement Ample time lines are provided to discuss and generate the Visio / PowerPoint . Then I have each group report out on their views while pointing to the mark - ups on their output . As each group reports out , I record commonalities in the insights of each group , and then additional insights that come from the group discussion on an additional copy of the Visio / PowerPoint . After the session , I digitize each group ’s output as an artifact , create a view that combines the shared and new insights from the group discussion , and then create a revised output that incorporates their feedback and proposed changes that they agreed to as a group ( Reference from the Good Kitchen Case Study ) . The template I often start with also has a column on the left to identify Partners and Value Chain Providers and a column on the right to add constraints . The straw man graphic is simple , using simple shapes , icons and colors available in Visio or on the Internet . Insight & Approach What I have learned from the above Visual Approach with several groups is –  Revised combined output 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 / Requirement .  The Visio / PowerPoint gives the diverse group of stakeholders a point for discussion that allows them to share their perspectives and develop insights into potential root causes of the pain area in the problem / requirement . While they could create the graphic from a blank slate in a collaborative manner , starting with a straw man jump starts the conversation for them .  They can gain new insights about relationships between key entities instead of taking time to identify them . They can also identify variables in the problem / requirement – that is , it helps them to identify what they do n’t know , in what areas they need to obtain information or data to provide the values for the variables .  The most valuable aspect is the shared insights and learning ; the visualization activity can be a good starting point for a series of design thinking activities . Then the revised graphic that incorporates combined feedback can serve as a reference tool throughout the remainder of the work .  I would to like to take up Mind mapping and storytelling which would aptly fit to our work and can benefit out team .