Dear Reader,
Visual diagramming is like having a secret superpower.
Diagrams allow you to express complex ideas and concepts with a simple visual so everyone instantly understands...without boring explanations.
What exactly is a visual diagram?
A visual diagram is a graphical representation that uses symbols, shapes, and connections to illustrate and explain a concept or system. They can range from simple to complex.
For example, a circle could become a simple Venn Diagram or a complex Mind Map:
But there is so much more you can do with them as a designer.
Try creating visual diagrams to help you make sense of data. They can support when you're trying to synthesize vast amounts of information, revealing patterns and relationships that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.
They can also come to your aid when it's time to present your research. Instead of overwhelming your audience with heaps of data, you can distill your research into visually compelling diagrams that captivate their attention and make the information more digestible and memorable, a crucial skill for UX researchers.
They can also convey strategy in a way that words never could. By illustrating complex concepts, you make them accessible and can effectively communicate the importance of service or strategic design concepts to stakeholders.
But it doesn't stop there.
Diagrams aren't just for communication. They also serve as interactive tools during workshops. With a simple diagram, you can engage participants with engaging backdrops for workshop activities.
You may be wondering how to get better at visual diagrams. Here are my suggestions:
- Train by doodling: Try sketching IRL as you think about complex concepts and see what diagrams emerge.
- Study existing diagrams: Take inspiration from various visual diagrams online (try 3 Types of UX Diagrams for a start).
- Remix popular diagrams: Redesign your favorite diagrams using different colors, shapes, arrows, and groupings to create something totally new.
So, imagine yourself equipped to create visual diagrams that captivate, communicate, and synthesize.
It's a skill that elevates your design practice, making you a more effective communicator, collaborator, and problem solver.
Unlock the power of visual diagramming and watch your design superpowers soar.
Time to finish this months book: Ruined by Design
Want to join the event? Grab the book and join the #book-club channel in the Guild of Working Designers Slack!
Integrating Sustainability in Product Design
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Gain Insights and tips for integrating sustainability into your design work
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Continuous UX Research: LIVE
October 2-23, 2023
Learn how to explore user needs and run weekly discovery.
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⬜️ White Space Analysis
White space analysis is the process companies use to evaluate their existing products, services, and markets to address unmet customer needs
shared by Adam Cochrane
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🗺️ A guide to Service Blueprints
A blueprint is an operational tool that visualizes the components of a service in enough detail to analyze, implement, and maintain it.
shared by Angela Garcia
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Apply to join the Guild of Working Designers here.
Until next week!
Hannah Baker
Educator & Co-Founder
The Fountain Institute