Thought Visualisation »
Previously, I wrote a few posts on the subject of my Ma project and current interest — the role of design in education. Since then I have been researching and reflecting on my subject. As such, it has changed. I have been extensively documenting this process of change, however I felt a visualisation would provide a good summary. This is a quick mock-up of my thought process since that initial idea, sans representation for different volumes of research.
The black represents main themes I have decided to research further. The other terms are secondary ideas which I decided not to proceed with, or plan on revisiting later.
As designers, we do not often discuss our thought process unless we are in an environment which requires us to do so (in my case, that is university). I often hear of people who jump straight to solutions with their entire thought process being completely internalised. It is both curious, and a waste.
Documenting my thought process has been lengthy (perhaps impractical for the busy professional) but invaluable. I will always be able to refer back to previous research to start new threads within projects. And I will always be able to read my research, once the knowledge has begun to fade.
My preferred method of documentation is, well, everything! Documentation allows for reflection, revision and advancement. Everything I do I either write in a journal, draw in a sketchbook, write in a blog, debate with friends in IM, or record conversations with friends (I love my dictaphone). Even the smallest act of writing out what I did during the day helps.
Do you document or visualise your process, and how?