Visual Mapping and the Art of the Doodle

In the last week, as if a sign from above, I've found out a little more about how I might better organise my mind, problem solve and never again nearly forget a school sports day due to an impending professional deadline.

Last week's Work section of the Saturday Guardian (12/07/08) mentioned Dan Roam's new book 'The Back of the Napkin: Problem Solving and Selling Ideas with Pictures'. Although targeted towards businesses, this little gem of a book shows how we can employ those little stick men we thought we're frankly rubbish, to our advantage. It seems so blindingly obvious to use visual cues to break information down simply but since so many people apparently 'can't draw' (quite untrue I say) I think we've forgotten the effectiveness of the doodle and Mr A Stick.

This book and the theory of visual thinking isn't actually anything new, it's just reawakening something in all of us (think cave paintings here). Also in an age when slick digital graphics surround us those little doodles we create look somewhat naive but are actually so effective and incredibly charming. Anyway to find out more here's the link to Dan Roam's Blog.

Somebody also pointed out the art of mind mapping as a means of organising our days/ambitions/dreams into a coherent and visual manner. As an artist this technique seemed very appealing so here's my attempt at an amalgamation of both techniques, my own 'visual mapping' entitled 'Why I'm No Picasso'. (Tip: click the image to read it.)