Visual+Dialogue

By far the most interesting of the three processes I read. I highlighted WAY too much :)

"Visual dialogue is the process of integrating works, images, and shapes into a single unit for communication. Its intent is to introduce a new way of collectign or packaging inforamtion so that people can understand complex ideas more easily and take action. Seeing thoughts expressed vidually helps drive intense and meaningful dialogue" (p. 286).

"Most people are used to processing ideas using language. People use language to learn and to communicate. the preferred learning style in schools and society is linguistic. But language can inhibit thought. It can prove inadequate for dealing with complexity. It is slower than thought. Visual processing opens up a new world for learning. Visual language uses sybmbols and pictographs, stars, bullets, arrows, different colors and shapes, and icons to communicate meaning and enhance learning" (p. 286).

The use of Templates (available on the CD-ROM provided) help facilitators and design groups organize the process and lead the team through a visual dialogue.

Visual dialogue is used for consensus of vision when groups are working at large-scale, system-wide change...like we are!!! I believe this process will be important for our work ahead. Perhaps a "must read" :)

"To solve problems, we need immediate access to the big picture and--simultaneously--to many levels of detail" (p. 287).
 * RATIONALE** (p. 287):


 * STEPS** (p. 287-292)
 * 1) Form a design team: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How
 * 2) Prepare (Templates are critical)
 * 3) Communicate with participants
 * 4) Prepare the room
 * 5) Establish the visual dialogue groups
 * 6) Have subgroups work concurrently on the templates, seeking consesus among themselves
 * 7) Conduct a gallery tour for whole-group consensus
 * 8) Recognize common elements from the groups
 * 9) Address the common elements (Next Steps, Who Leads, Who Helps, By When)

Sponsorship, a facilitator, a design team, whole group commitment, consensus, and action
 * CRITICAL ELEMENTS** (p. 292)


 * SUGGESTED NORMS FOR GROUP WORK ON VISUAL DIALOGUE** (p. 290)
 * Work together to co-create parts of the template
 * Listen first to understand
 * look for commonalities but treat each idea with respect and look for its fit
 * Ensure that everybody has air time
 * Park ideas that are not yet fully developed or have nto been agreed upon


 * RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FACILITATORS** (p. 291)
 * Use the tools first yourself
 * Carefully consider the staging
 * Move beyond collecting data into creating meaning
 * Move beyond the usual cast of characters
 * Distribute completed templates while they are fresh
 * Do something! (prompt and guide new behavior)
 * Know when not to use visual dialogue