How Do You Use Visual Thinking at Work?

Visual thinking is a powerful tool that enhances creativity, organisation, and problem-solving in the workplace.

Whether through mind mapping, diagrams, or digital note-taking, many professionals rely on visual methods to clarify their ideas and streamline workflows. To explore how people integrate visual thinking into their daily work, TechEdology recently conducted a poll on social media asking:

"How do you use Visual Thinking at Work?"

The options were:

  • 🧠 Mind maps for brainstorming
  • 📊 Visual diagrams for planning
  • ✏️ Digital note-taking
  • I don’t use visual thinking

Poll Results and Insights

While responses varied, it’s clear that many professionals recognise the benefits of visual thinking in different ways:

  • Mind Maps for Brainstorming: Mind mapping is a favourite for those who like to visually connect ideas and explore creative solutions. This technique is widely used in meetings, content creation, and project planning.
  • Visual Diagrams for Planning: Flowcharts, process maps, and strategic diagrams help teams organise workflows, align on strategies, and simplify decision-making.
  • Digital Note-Taking: Digital tools allow users to structure their thoughts, make coherent and readable notes, and collaborate more effectively. (They also remove the worry about being able to read your handwritten notes later on!)
  • Not Using Visual Thinking: A very small portion of respondents indicated they don’t use visual thinking. If that’s you, consider trying it out - incorporating even simple visual elements could boost productivity and clarity in your work.

What is Visual Thinking?

Visual thinking is the process of using images, diagrams, and other visual formats to represent ideas and concepts. It helps in breaking down complex information, identifying relationships, and presenting ideas in a clear, engaging way. Whether you're brainstorming a new project, organising tasks, or solving problems, visual thinking makes the process more intuitive and accessible.


Benefits of Visual Thinking in the Workplace

  • Boosts Creativity: Visual thinking encourages divergent thinking, allowing teams to generate and explore a variety of ideas.
  • Enhances Organization: Diagrams and visual frameworks make it easier to track tasks, deadlines, and project stages.
  • Improve Problem-Solving: Mapping out challenges visually allows you to see patterns, connections, and potential solutions more clearly.
  • Strengthens Communication: Visual tools make complex ideas easier to convey and understand across teams and departments.

Why Does it Matter?

Regardless of the method used, visual thinking empowers professionals to see the bigger picture, spot connections, and organise and streamline their work. It now goes beyond just doodling on a notepad - it helps to break down complex concepts, organise thoughts, and make information more digestible. Studies have shown that incorporating visual elements can improve memory retention and engagement, making them an essential component of effective communication and problem-solving in the modern workplace. If you haven’t explored these techniques yet, now might be the perfect time to start!

Have a look at Inspiration and discover how you could use it in the workplace. You can even get a 30-day free trial here!

Inspiration is an approved product for the Disabled Student Allowance and Access to Work.


TechEdology

UK: TechEdology Ltd: + 44(0)1672 560387 , US: TechEdology LLC: 813-421-2002

+ 44(0)1672 560387 | support@techedology.com

Company Registration No.: 08234244  

Terms & Conditions of Sale | Privacy Policy

Inspiration® and RapidFire® are the registered trademarks of Diagramming Apps, LLC.

TechEdology® is the registered trademark of TechEdology Ltd.

British Assistibe Technology Association