Patrick Link’s Post

How Visual Thinking Can Transform Consulting 🖌️💡 A game-changer in the consulting world – visual thinking! Yes, visual thinking. Now picture this that you're in a meeting, brainstorming ideas with your client. Instead of getting lost in a sea of terminology and words, you take out a marker and start drawing on a whiteboard. Suddenly, complex concepts become crystal clear, and everyone's on the same page. That's the magic of visual thinking. According to a recent Harvard Business Review article, visual thinking isn't just about drawing pretty pictures. It's a powerful tool that can transform the way consultants approach problem-solving and communication. By tapping into our innate ability to process visual information, consultants can break down complex problems into digestible chunks and spark creativity like never before. But visual thinking isn't just for consultants in the boardroom. It's a skill that anyone can develop to enhance collaboration, streamline processes, and drive results. Whether you're a seasoned consultant or just starting out, embracing visual thinking can take your game to the next level. So, next time you're faced with a thorny problem or struggling to convey your ideas, don't underestimate the power of a well-placed doodle or diagram. Embrace your inner artist, and watch as visual thinking transforms the way you work and connect with clients. And while speaking of visual thinking, I can't recommend Dan Roam's "The Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures" enough. This gem of a book brilliantly demonstrates the power of visual communication in solving complex problems and selling innovative ideas. Drop a comment below with your favourite visual thinking tips or success stories. Can't wait to hear from you all! 👇😊 #digitaltransformation #consulting #innovation #businessconsultant #visualthinking #carrergrowth #BusinessStrategy #DataVisualization

Canvas GFX CEO Patricia Hume's go to books on effective communication: 📖 Design For How People Learn: Harness Key Principles of Learning to Enable Knowledge Retention by Julie Dirksen: https://lnkd.in/e44GwFFN "Dirksen emphasizes the importance of understanding the learners’ needs, preferences and learning styles. If we design with the audience in mind, we will always create relevant learning materials." 📖 Everyday Business Storytelling: Create, Simplify, and Adapt A Visual Narrative for Any Audience by Janine Kurnoff and Lee Lazarus: https://lnkd.in/eSwHjbMB "The authors give a few important insights that I haven’t found as comprehensively in other books. These include the science of storytelling, the ‘four’ signposts of storytelling and how to craft headlines to captivate your audience." 📖 Slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations by Nancy Duarte: https://lnkd.in/e484uufE "Duarte emphasizes the power of visual communication in presentations. It provides guidance on creating visually appealing slides that enhance the message’s clarity and impact." 📖 Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences by Nancy Duarte: https://lnkd.in/efVRTbct "If you are a sucker for good examples, Duarte alludes to powerful presentations like famous speeches and TED talks. All of these real-life examples seek to inform new visual communication innovations in an ever-changing information landscape." Read the full post here: https://lnkd.in/eN7YKAUS

**Random confession** This entire year, I have been having an identity crisis. Although I've always considered myself 'a writer first,' I have fallen in love with wireframes... and our relationship has been life-changing. Does that make me a designer? Do I dare walk that path?? Truth is, I am not the same. It's like when I learned the power of an outline for presenting a clear argument or project management software for organizing a bunch of tasks; wireframing has made it easier for me to sketch the ideas buried deep in my mind. It's giving words (figuratively speaking) to the information I'd otherwise struggle to process and share. Like, seriously.... I don't understand how anyone can create a website or application without first creating a wireframe -- especially when what you have to 'say' differs from what has already been said. But I feel like such a sellout to my writing roots.... I mean, I guess it's all information, right? Words, videos, fonts, and HEX codes.... Who says one is inherently better than the other? Doesn't it depend on who is attempting to process it? Some people DON'T read... and that's okay. It doesn't mean we stop communicating. I began as a writer, but the truth is that I am an amplifier of information who is also obsessed with effective communication. I believe that more information is good, and better methods of relaying it can improve humanity. Starting with wireframes 🤣

Should designers know their stakeholders' lingo in the tech/product industry? Some organizations allow colloquial terms for communication, while others expect familiarity with industry-standard language. Learning their lingo brings several advantages: 1. Scalability: In a small team, colloquial terms may suffice, but as the team grows, standardized language ensures efficient communication and avoids confusion. Libraries are a great example. Your likelihood to find the “book with a green cover” may be more in a set of 10 books but not in a library of 10k. Standardised way of classification and taxonomy helps. 2. Enhanced Collaboration: Speaking the stakeholders' language fosters better understanding and collaboration, leading to improved teamwork and outcomes. At times, I used to speak a sentence only to realise that my collaborator PM was able to succinctly define it in 1 word. 3. Seizing Opportunities: By setting ego aside and upskilling as better communicators, designers can grasp more opportunities and become more effective collaborators. As a multi-disciplinary designer working with researchers, scientists and tech folks day-in and day-out, this becomes significantly important to seize better opportunities. You are not blinded by a different domain while you still stay true to your field. 4. Improved Project Efficiency: A shared language streamlines discussions, decision-making, and feedback loops, speeding up project execution. 5. Reduced Misinterpretation: A common language minimizes the risk of miscommunication and misunderstandings, preventing costly errors. 6. Client Satisfaction: Using familiar language builds trust and rapport with clients, enhancing the overall client experience and satisfaction. A client asked me why are you taking ratings for a particular #concepttest in a Focus-group discussion? While moderating I ended up writing 3-4 lines emphasising on the importance of it in the middle of a group. When I discussed how this could be handled better? An expert qualitative researcher told me to use the word “indicative”; it is important to take these ratings a they are indicative and can be used for probing further. #design #designerslife #collaboration #theArtofcommunication

📖 Drawing Inspiration from The Little Prince: 3 Secret Reasons to Dive into the Power of Visual Facilitation 🚀 Have you ever come across the timeless tale of "The Little Prince"? It's a book so cherished that you're likely to find it on the shelves of every French home. This enchanting story imparts a profound lesson – the significance of delving beneath the surface to uncover the true essence and significance of things. In this narrative, the Little Prince requests that Saint-Exupéry draw him a sheep. But rather than offering a single fixed representation, Saint-Exupéry draws a box with three holes. This ingenious choice grants the Little Prince the freedom to envision his sheep in countless diverse forms. Much like this approach, visual facilitation encourages us to explore ideas, concepts, and solutions with the flexibility to transcend our initial perceptions. Now, let's unveil the three secret reasons why embracing visual facilitation can reshape the way we communicate, collaborate, and lead: 🌟 Beyond Words: Just as the Little Prince perceived beyond appearances, visuals empower us to surpass language barriers and convey intricate ideas with profound clarity. 🧠 Sparking Creativity: Just as the Little Prince's imaginative sheep ignited creativity, visual thinking ignites innovation and engagement in unexpected, powerful ways. 🤝 Unite through Images: Similar to the three-hole box that brought the Little Prince closer to his sheep, images foster unity, dissolve barriers, and propel us toward collective achievement. Join us this Thursday to uncover the secrets and potency of visual facilitation alongside my guest, Charles-Louis de Maere, a facilitator and visionary visual thinking trainer hailing from Belgium. It's time to reimagine teamwork, all inspired by the magic of perspective and imagination. 🎧🎙️ "There is a Workshop for That!" #VisualFacilitation #VisualThinking #Facilitation #Workshops #Creativity

🌟 The Impact of a Well-Designed Deck. 🩸 In today's fast-paced world, effective communication is paramount. Whether you're pitching a business idea, delivering a lecture, or sharing research findings, the manner in which you convey information is pivotal. A tool that has become indispensable in this regard is the presentation deck. A meticulously crafted deck can serve as a visual companion that complements your spoken message, aiding in engagement, understanding, and persuasion. In this article, we'll delve into the transformative power of a visually designed deck and how it can elevate your presentation. 👉 Grabbing Attention Right from the Start First impressions are crucial, and in presentations, your initial slide sets the tone. A visually appealing design instantly captures your audience's focus and sparks their curiosity. Thoughtfully chosen color schemes, impactful visuals, and a succinct title can draw them in, creating anticipation for what you're about to share. 👉 Enhancing Comprehension and Retention Visual aids have a remarkable capacity to enhance comprehension and retention. Studies show that people tend to remember information better when it's presented visually. A well-designed deck can break down intricate concepts, making them more accessible. Infographics, charts, and diagrams can simplify complex data, ensuring your audience leaves with a clear understanding of your key points. 👉 Crafting a Seamless Narrative A presentation is more than just a collection of slides; it's a narrative. Each slide should smoothly transition into the next, guiding your audience through a logical progression of ideas. Visual cues, like consistent formatting, transitions, and well-chosen imagery, help weave a cohesive story. 👉 Conveying Professionalism and Trustworthiness A visually pleasing and well-organized presentation deck communicates professionalism and credibility. It demonstrates that you've dedicated time and effort to preparing a refined, thought-out presentation. 👉 Engaging Different Learning Styles People absorb information in various ways. Some are visual learners, while others may prefer auditory or kinesthetic methods. A visually designed deck caters to the visual learners in your audience, offering them an additional layer of information that reinforces your spoken words. 👉Leaving a Lasting Impression A well-designed presentation deck leaves an indelible mark. When your audience reflects on your presentation later, the visuals are likely to be the most vivid recollection. This not only reinforces your message but also increases the likelihood that your audience will recall and share your key points with others. 🩸 In Conclusion In today's information-saturated world, the ability to communicate ideas effectively is a valuable skill. A visually designed presentation deck is a potent tool that can significantly enhance your capacity to engage, inform, and persuade your audience. #powerpoint #ppt #pitchdeck #slide

🌟 Exploring New Horizons in Communication: Storyboarding SOPs 🌟 Did you know there's a growing trend in how Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are communicated? Imagine converting traditional SOPs into visually engaging storyboards! 📊 Traditional SOPs are often text-heavy and can be daunting to wade through. But what if we could see these procedures as part of a narrative, visually laid out as a storyboard? 🎨 This concept isn't just a thought experiment - it's becoming a reality. The idea is to take the detailed information from SOPs and present it in a format that's not just easy to understand but also visually appealing. 💡 The potential benefits are clear: Enhanced Engagement: Visuals can capture attention more effectively than text alone. Improved Comprehension: Storyboards can simplify complex procedures, making them easier to follow. Memorable Learning: Visual storytelling tends to be more memorable than reading through pages of instructions. example: Procedure 1. Development of policies: When developing new human resources policies, the human resources department will follow these steps: a. Identify the need for the policy: The human resources department will identify the need for a new policy by reviewing current practices and identifying areas where a policy is needed to ensure compliance with laws and regulations, or to address specific issues within the organization. b. Research best practices: The human resources department will research best practices in the industry to ensure that the policy aligns with industry standards. 2. Review of policies: The human resources department will review all human resources policies on a regular basis to ensure that they are up-to-date and relevant. **Storyboard Image for Human Resources Policies Procedure** #Innovation #GoogleGemini #VisualLearning #Storyboards #UserExperience #ProcessImprovement #Teamwork #Engagement

🎯 Mastering the Art of Proposal Writing: Balancing Brainstorming and Focus 🚀 In the realm of professional endeavors, drafting a proposal isn't merely about penning down ideas—it's a strategic process that hinges on a delicate balance between ideation and focus. The linchpin of a successful proposal often lies in the initial brainstorming phase. This is where the seeds of innovation are sown, ideas sprout, and the foundation for a compelling proposal is laid. The Crucial Role of Brainstorming Brainstorming is the fertile ground where ideas flourish, intertwine, and evolve into something remarkable. It's not just about generating a multitude of concepts but fostering an environment that encourages creativity and collaboration. The diverse perspectives that emerge during brainstorming sessions can pave the way for innovative solutions and unique angles that set proposals apart. The Pressure Factor While giving ample time for brainstorming is crucial, a touch of pressure can also be a catalyst for focus and efficiency. When a deadline looms, it serves as a gentle nudge, ensuring that the creative energy harnessed during brainstorming is channeled into productive proposal writing. This pressure fosters a sense of urgency without compromising the quality of the work. Striking the Balance Finding the equilibrium between giving space for ideation and instilling a sense of urgency is the crux of successful proposal crafting. It's about embracing the creative chaos of brainstorming while maintaining a structured approach to weave those ideas into a coherent and persuasive proposal. Tips for Effective Proposal Drafting 1. Dedicated Brainstorming Sessions: Allocate specific time slots solely for generating ideas without the pressure of immediate execution. 2. Structured Timeframes: Set clear deadlines and milestones for proposal development to maintain momentum and focus. 3. Iterative Process: Allow for iterations and revisions, fostering continuous improvement and refinement. 4. Collaborative Effort: Encourage collaboration among team members to harness diverse perspectives and expertise. #ProposalWriting #Brainstorming #SuccessStrategies ✍️🧠

🧰📚 5 Must-Use Tools for Students and Entrepreneurs 🚀💡 Don't waste your time, doing less important work. Use Tools 😎 Here you go - 1️⃣ Note-taking made easy with @Evernote: Keep your thoughts organized, take notes in class or during meetings, and sync across all devices seamlessly. Stay on top of your game with this essential tool! #Productivity #NoteTaking 2️⃣ Boost your productivity with @todoist: Stay organized, set priorities, and never miss a deadline again. This intuitive task manager will help you stay focused and accomplish your goals efficiently. #Productivity #TaskManagement 3️⃣ Collaborate effortlessly with @SlackHQ: Connect with your classmates or team members, share ideas, and work together seamlessly. Say goodbye to endless email chains and hello to efficient communication! #Collaboration #Teamwork 4️⃣ Capture your ideas visually with @MiroHQ: From brainstorming sessions to project planning, this collaborative whiteboard tool empowers you to visualize your thoughts, engage others, and bring your ideas to life. #Visualization #Brainstorming 5️⃣ Stay organized with @Trello: Plan your projects, create to-do lists, and track progress effortlessly. With its intuitive interface and customizable boards, Trello is a game-changer for managing your tasks effectively. #ProjectManagement #Organization 6️⃣ Simplify your research with @Zotero: This powerful reference management tool helps you collect, organize, and cite sources for your academic papers or business projects. Stay organized and ace your research game! #Research #AcademicWriting 7️⃣ Design like a pro with @Canva: Create stunning graphics, presentations, or social media posts without any design skills. Unleash your creativity and make a lasting impression with this user-friendly design tool. #Design #Creativity 8️⃣ Supercharge your writing with @Grammarly: Eliminate grammar errors, improve your writing style, and enhance clarity. Whether you're writing an essay or crafting a professional email, Grammarly has got your back! #Writing #Editing 9️⃣ Manage your finances with @mint: Keep track of your expenses, create budgets, and stay financially savvy. Gain control over your money and make informed decisions for a prosperous future. #PersonalFinance #Budgeting 🔟 Enhance your learning with @Duolingo: Learn a new language at your own pace with this fun and interactive platform. Expand your horizons and unlock exciting opportunities in a globalized world. #LanguageLearning #Education Equip yourself with these essential tools and unlock your full potential as a student or entrepreneur. Embrace the power of technology and thrive in your academic and professional endeavors! 💪🔥 #ProductivityTools #Entrepreneurship #StudentLife #ToolsOfTheTrade