The back of the napkin

The essence of visual thinking lies in a quartet of straightforward steps, which are perpetually repeated: Firstly, one must engage in the act of looking – this involves the gathering of information, with a keen focus on the elements of paramount importance, whilst simultaneously filtering out all extraneous details. Secondly, the process of seeing comes into play – this is where one identifies patterns, selects those that are relevant, and organizes details into coherent groups. Thirdly, the act of imagining takes center stage – this is where the mind is employed to envision what is not currently present but ought to be. Lastly, the step of showing is crucial – this involves conveying the concepts one has devised to others, ensuring clarity and comprehension.

Looking is fundamentally about absorbing visual information from one's surroundings. It encompasses the collection of data and making preliminary assessments. This step involves scanning the environment to gain a holistic understanding of the situation at hand. It marks the commencement of the visual thinking journey. Enhancing one's ability to look can significantly improve proficiency in visual thinking. To hone these skills, there are four essential rules to adhere to: Firstly, gather all potential items of interest – adopting a quantity over quality approach initially. Compile a comprehensive collection that includes everything that might be needed in the future. Accumulate as much raw data as feasible to kickstart the process.

Secondly, arrange all collected items in a single location – preferably side by side, allowing for a swift overview with just a few glances. This organization ensures a systematic analysis of all information. Thirdly, establish a coordinate system that is applicable to the situation – this could involve financial considerations or a combination of the 6W coordinate system, which includes Who/What is involved, How Much it costs or generates, When these events will occur, Where they will take place, How these events will unfold, and Why they are happening. Lastly, engage in a preliminary sorting process to discard what is clearly irrelevant, leaving only a few options that merit further exploration and analysis.

In the realm of visual thinking, it is observed that challenges predominantly categorize into six distinct types. These include dilemmas centered around identifying "who or what" is involved, which can be effectively addressed by employing a portrait picture to systematically organize potential solutions. Similarly, issues pertaining to "how much" of something is involved can be elucidated through the use of charts, which adeptly compare numerical values against one another. For questions of "where," maps serve as an invaluable tool, illustrating the spatial relationships between items. When the query revolves around "when" something occurs, timelines provide a chronological representation, showcasing the evolution of items over their lifecycle. The "how" of a process is best depicted through flow charts, which detail the operational mechanisms of various entities. Lastly, the "why" behind occurrences can be comprehensively understood through multi-variable plots, which reveal the dynamics at play.

Dan Roam emphasizes the significance of selecting an appropriate framework, as it compels us to meticulously consider the crucial aspects that need to be highlighted. Each framework, with its unique coordinate system and starting point, offers a structured approach to initiate our visual representation. Portraits, as qualitative visual representations, aim to convey the essence of the subject matter. Whether it's a rendering, profile, or diagram, a portrait captures the identifiable characteristics of an object. The key to crafting effective portraits lies in simplicity, ensuring the illustration supports the idea without overshadowing it. Incorporating simple icons can breathe life into lists, providing visual cues that enhance understanding. Portraits, although not quantitatively informative, serve as a foundational step in recognizing and tracking entities, thereby facilitating the emergence of qualitative insights.