The Ultimate Guide to Visual Thinking

An Introduction to Types of Visual Thinking

Visual thinking is a practical cognitive exercise whereby knowledge is mapped and annotated to record lengthy information that would otherwise be overwhelming. This makes for a powerful learning tool, whether in the workplace, academia or at home, because it increases the capacity to think. As such, there are many ways to visually think that accommodate the type and use of the knowledge recorded.

We've set out four core methods of visual thinking, which are; Mind Mapping, Concept Mapping, Outlining and Graphic Organizers.

Each fulfil a different function based on the information they are designed to represent. Here is our guide to each type of visual thinking - including their uses and benefits.

Uses of Visual Thinking

In education, visual thinking is an interdisciplinary learning tool as different methods are suited to different subjects: Mind Maps are commonly used in English to categorize literary elements in a work of fiction, poetry or drama, whereas Scientific subjects favour Concept Maps that illustrate natural or phenomenological processes like the refraction of light or the water cycle. However, these are not limited to any particular subject.

Visual Thinking is also a proficient workplace-tool used to present information to a team, analyse potentials or outline tasks in an overall business plan. More simply, it can be used to order and prioritise tasks in day-to-day life or merely illustrate one's thoughts.

Whatever its function, visual thinking improves cognitive clarity and efficiency.