Assignment

Visualization Challenge & Selection

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.

Application

I start the process by creating a straw man graphic of the problem domain. To develop the straw  man graphic, I will draw from any existing material available to understand the environment. The  existing material may be operational or procedural documents, training materials, marketing  materials, GAO or other auditing reports. 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.

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. The graphic gives the diverse group of stakeholders a focal point for discussion that allows  them to share their perspectives and develop insights into potential root causes of their problems.


Assignment Visualization Challenge & Selection 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 . Application I start the process by creating a straw man graphic of the problem domain . To develop the straw man graphic , I will draw from any existing material available to understand the environment . The existing material may be operational or procedural documents , training materials , marketing materials , GAO or other auditing reports . 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 . 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 . The graphic gives the diverse group of stakeholders a focal point for discussion that allows them to share their perspectives and develop insights into potential root causes of their problems .