Reflection – Visualization

Challenge & Selection:

I use this approach often on my customer engagements.  Often working to apply technology  innovations to modernize their mission or the delivery of their services. I have used the technique  of using a straw man visualization of a problem domain with a set of questions for discussion to  allow 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:

In order to design the solution, first we have to build a good understanding of the problem that we  are trying to solve. Interviews, observations, desk research and other research techniques that are  applied during this phase generate huge amount of data – data that has to be grouped and analyse.

Then I create a straw man graphic of the problem domain. The straw man graphic is simple, using  simple shapes and icons available in Visio or on the Internet. This approach helps us build  connections between different findings and understand the bigger picture. Visualization triggers  idea generation and enables project members to better understand research insights.

Insight & Approach:

As the popular saying goes “picture is worth a thousand words” and even a simple sketch can tell us  more than a 10 minutes description of an idea. In a group setting, visualization helps to spark idea  generation. Seeing what other people are drawing, adding elements to their drawing or simply  discussing the sketches helps to build on top of each other’s ideas. Brainstorming sessions can be  also enhanced by the use of visualization to stimulate idea creation. Drawing will benefit the  understanding of how the idea unfolds through different stages of the service.

Visualization supports and accelerates design thinking. The clarity provided by visualization drives  shared understanding of goals and ideas essential to defining and reframing issues. It also helps  bring much needed structure to the exploration of problems and the development of potential  solutions. I discovered that the most valuable aspect is the shared insights and learning, next time I  would use the visualization activity as a starting point for a series of design thinking activities.


Reflection – Visualization Challenge & Selection : I use this approach often on my customer engagements . Often working to apply technology innovations to modernize their mission or the delivery of their services . I have used the technique of using a straw man visualization of a problem domain with a set of questions for discussion to allow 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 : In order to design the solution , first we have to build a good understanding of the problem that we are trying to solve . Interviews , observations , desk research and other research techniques that are applied during this phase generate huge amount of data – data that has to be grouped and analyse . Then I create a straw man graphic of the problem domain . The straw man graphic is simple , using simple shapes and icons available in Visio or on the Internet . This approach helps us build connections between different findings and understand the bigger picture . Visualization triggers idea generation and enables project members to better understand research insights . Insight & Approach : As the popular saying goes “ picture is worth a thousand words ” and even a simple sketch can tell us more than a 10 minutes description of an idea . In a group setting , visualization helps to spark idea generation . Seeing what other people are drawing , adding elements to their drawing or simply discussing the sketches helps to build on top of each other ’s ideas . Brainstorming sessions can be also enhanced by the use of visualization to stimulate idea creation . Drawing will benefit the understanding of how the idea unfolds through different stages of the service . Visualization supports and accelerates design thinking . The clarity provided by visualization drives shared understanding of goals and ideas essential to defining and reframing issues . It also helps bring much needed structure to the exploration of problems and the development of potential solutions . I discovered that the most valuable aspect is the shared insights and learning , next time I would use the visualization activity as a starting point for a series of design thinking activities .