The fuzzy logic of visual frameworks
The fuzzy logic of visual frameworks
The whole is greater than the sum of the parts
I promised you I would dive into the glorious geekiness that lies behind the visual frameworks.
Today I want to share one aspect of that geekiness: Gestalt theory, a psychological framework that originated in the early 20th century.
Gestalt theory emphasizes our natural ability to perceive patterns and make sense of complex, disparate information by understanding it as a whole. If you want to learn how to create and apply visual frameworks, it will help if you understand some of these core principles and how they work.
Here are some Gestalt principles and how they apply to visual frameworks:
Emphasis on the Whole
The foundational concept of Gestalt theory is that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Visual frameworks present patterns as interconnected systems or holistic entities rather than isolated elements.
For example, in SOLAR SYSTEM, the focus is not just on the parts but how they form an interconnected system.
Simplification
One of the key principles of Gestalt theory is the Law of Simplicity, which states that we tend to perceive and understand complex images in the simplest form possible. Visual frameworks simplify complex mental models and archetypes into intuitive, graphical representations, to enable quicker and more comprehensive understanding.
For example, what is important in PENDULUM is the swinging motion. Additional detail is unnecessary.
Organization
The Law of Prägnanz, another Gestalt principle, suggests that we prefer ordered, regular, and balanced configurations. Visual frameworks help organize mental images into structured, coherent systems, making them more approachable and easier to navigate.
For example, a TUBE MAP simplifies and rationalizes the actual terrain into vertical, horizontal, and diagonal paths, in order to focus on what matters: the station hubs and the tube lines that connect them.
Pattern Recognition
Gestalt theory highlights our innate ability to recognize and interpret patterns. Visual frameworks capitalize on this by representing archetypes, schemas, and models in ways that highlight their underlying patterns, aiding in the recognition, understanding, and application.
For example, SEASONS reduces complexity by showing the changes in a single tree over the course of a year. This helps reveal the underlying cyclical pattern.
Continuity and Closure
Continuity and closure refer to our tendency to see continuous lines and complete figures even when they're not entirely visible. By arranging, sequencing and juxtaposing visual frameworks, you can create connections and relationships between elements, or a visual flow that tells a story.
For example, these frameworks are arranged in an “up-and-to-the-right” configuration as a way to think through a story about growth.
This “story map” was created using the Mural app. I’ll be sharing more about how I do this in an upcoming Zoom call.
Proximity and Similarity
These principles suggest that we tend to group together objects that are near to each other or similar in some way. By grouping visual frameworks you can create categories that highlight different aspects of a situation, or different ways of approaching it.
For example, these frameworks have been grouped into clusters and each category has been labeled. Another way to think about growth.
A theory focused on insight and problem-solving
Gestalt theorists were among the first to seriously study the psychology of science and invention. They wanted to understand how we make leaps of insight, from having no idea of how to solve a problem to suddenly seeing a solution where everything fits together. Gestalt theory forms the basis for a few other, more recent ideas.
Fuzzy logic is based on the observation that most people do not tend to make decisions in a purely rational, mathematical way, but rely on rules of thumb and imprecise, sometimes vague information, such as hunches.
Fuzzy-trace theory posits that we store memories in two ways, called verbatim and gist. Verbatim information is specific, detailed information, like the elements in a pattern. Gist information is holistic and conceptual, like how we perceive the pattern as a whole. The research suggests that most people prefer to reason primarily with holistic, gist information first, before thinking about details.
For example, the gist of a MENU is how the choices are arranged on a page. The details of the exact food and prices are not necessary to convey the basic idea.
Dual-coding theory argues that verbal information is processed differently than visual information, and that they are stored independently. Knowledge can be recalled via either channel, or both. This is why visual frameworks include a title as well as an image. The title is a verbal “handle” that makes the image easier to use, store and retrieve.
I think of visual frameworks as a kind of fuzzy-logic card catalog for your brain. Instead of pointing to books in a library, visual frameworks point to concepts, ideas, memories and rules-of-thumb that you have stored in your mind.
There are many ways to use them for creative thinking and problem-solving. I find new uses for them all the time.
As you probably know, I’m working on a card deck that I’ll be launching soon. In the meantime, I’ve made a poster that you can hang on the wall, or, if you’re the more adventurous DIY type, you can cut up to make a card deck.
Buy the poster. Better yet, buy two! One for the wall and one to cut up for a deck. There’s also a more durable version printed on fabric so you can roll it up or fold it for transportation to workshops and events.
The poster has tiny light gray dots as guidelines to help you make cards if you want to.
You can also check out the website, where you can learn more about each framework, navigate by image or tag, and search the frameworks library.
I’m also planning to schedule some Zoom calls to answer your questions, discuss how you might use them, personally and professionally, and talk about how I can support you. It will also be nice to see you all face to face. If you have preferences for days and times, please reply to this email and let me know. I’ll try to find a time that can work for as many people as possible or maybe schedule a couple of calls if necessary.
Talk to you soon!
