We're often asked, "How can I make my communication more visual?" For inspiration, we'd like to take you back—way back to grade school—when pictures were your primary communication tool.
Click on each picture to enlarge
Reduce stories/concepts to main ideas
In the kindergarten class, stories are used to teach cause and effect. In this example, our young student, Sophie, told her story in a three-frame storyboard.
Imagine asking your CEO to explain the corporate strategy in three PowerPoint slides!
Map a process
This is a great example of a process map that helps a child understand how an egg becomes a butterfly. Notice that illustrations command the most attention, while words play a supporting role. But there's more! Audrey's first-grade class used the map to have a discussion about the butterfly's life cycle, while she numbered the sequence. Visual AND interactive! Nice.
Processes in the business world are complicated: layered approvals, several departments and many roles. Visualizing them gets everyone on the same page quickly.
Use visuals as short cuts
First-grader Audrey intuitively understands that she can use a picture to represent her wish, "No boys allowed in Audrey's room."
For adults, icons (visual short cuts) help us navigate our complicated world faster. If you've ever been in a rush to find a restroom in an airport, you understand how effective this can be.
