Visualization making communication easier

 

People normally associate digital technology with ones and zeros, or lines or computer code designed so that only the select few can use it. However, technology is rapidly unlocking new forms of communications within companies.

In particular, there has been a renewed interest in the use of pictures and eye-catching representations to expand the way that companies express important ideas internally. This notion of ‘visual thinking’, popularized by Deloitte, now emphasizes that business communications are effective when they involve visual as well as written elements.

The methods for visual thinking are diverse and depend on the situation. This can range from incorporating story boards into meetings to using strategy mapping software to generate an overview of company progress.

However, they all feature a common goal which is to use both sides of a person’s brain, particularly the right side, in order to address business problems.

There are a number of benefits for companies which move towards a more visual method of communication, with employee morale improving and communication becoming more streamlined as a result.

Visualizing a problem can also let you understand nuances that come with it which would otherwise be lost in a spreadsheet or other dense publication. This can be useful for understanding the specifics of your business, as well as the long-term trends affecting your company.

For executives that are struggling to get everything done in a day, visualizing can also make it easier to understand information. An eye-catching format can even help with knowledge retention, making it useful when you need to recall valuable company information.

As visual thinking becomes standard across the business world, companies which can embrace this trend before their competition will likely see a range of different benefits.