A Visual Thinking Warmup

Presentation at Build Stuff Lithuania & Kiev 2016

Transcript

1. Build Stuff Ukraine
   22 Nov 2016
   A VISUAL THINKING
   WARMUP
   

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2. @birdsncherries #VtsForDevelopers
   © 2016 Nerd/Noir, LLC.
   (REFERENCE THIS TALK)
   (TWEET & DM)
   HI. I’M ALEX.
   Alexandra West
   Creative Director
   alex@nerdnoir.com
   Slides - http://nerdnoir.com/talks/vts/
   

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3. @birdsncherries #VtsForDevelopers
   © 2016 Nerd/Noir, LLC.
   VISUAL THINKING STRATEGIES
   WHAT IS VTS?
   A research-based methodology that improves creative thinking
   skills through a carefully facilitated discussion of art
   Co-founded 30+ years ago by Abigail Housen & Philip Yenawine,
   originally for use in museums and schools
   Its origins are cognitive psychology (how people think) and
   museum pedagogy (how people look at art)
   

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4. @birdsncherries #VtsForDevelopers
   © 2016 Nerd/Noir, LLC.
   WHAT SKILLS CAN VTS
   HELP DEVELOP?
   Observing
   Brainstorming
   Cultivating a POV
   Speculating
   Reasoning with Evidence
   Revision & Elaboration
   

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8. @birdsncherries #VtsForDevelopers
   © 2016 Nerd/Noir, LLC.
   WHAT JUST HAPPENED?
   

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9. @birdsncherries #VtsForDevelopers
   © 2016 Nerd/Noir, LLC.
   VTS is accessible - no background in art is needed
   VTS encourages participation from everyone - No right or
   wrong answers, all viewpoints are recognized
   VTS enhances team dynamics and collaboration
   VTS develops observational skills and reasoning - the
   discussion is a discovery process
   VTS enhances complex problem solving - the active
   construction of meaning
   WHY DOES VTS WORK?
   

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10. @birdsncherries #VtsForDevelopers
    © 2016 Nerd/Noir, LLC.
    WHY ART?
    http://www.vtshome.org/
    “Art is intentionally ambiguous, open to a variety of valid
    interpretations. Feelings are embedded in art along with
    information, triggering a full range of expression from those
    who look at it thoughtfully. Layers of meaning, symbols, and
    metaphor encourage probing and reflecting.”
    

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11. @birdsncherries #VtsForDevelopers
    © 2016 Nerd/Noir, LLC.
    WHY ART?
    Comfort with Ambiguity
    Openness to the Unfamiliar
    Accessibility & Diversity
    

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12. @birdsncherries #VtsForDevelopers
    © 2016 Nerd/Noir, LLC.
    HOW HAS VTS BEEN USED
    OUTSIDE OF SCHOOLS &
    MUSEUMS?
    

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13. @birdsncherries #VtsForDevelopers
    © 2016 Nerd/Noir, LLC.
    THE CIA
    http://bit.ly/2e3aUoL
    

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14. @birdsncherries #VtsForDevelopers
    © 2016 Nerd/Noir, LLC.
    HARVARD 

    MEDICAL SCHOOL
    http://bit.ly/2fclHwr
    

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15. @birdsncherries #VtsForDevelopers
    © 2016 Nerd/Noir, LLC.
    FACILITATING VTS SESSIONS IN
    YOUR OWN ENVIRONMENT
    

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16. @birdsncherries #VtsForDevelopers
    © 2016 Nerd/Noir, LLC.
    IMAGE SELECTION
    Diversity
    Accessibility & Captivation
    Existence of a Narrative
    Ambiguity
    Sequencing & Themes
    

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17. @birdsncherries #VtsForDevelopers
    © 2016 Nerd/Noir, LLC.
    THE QUESTIONS
    What’s going on in this picture?
    What do you see that makes you say that?
    What more can we find?
    

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18. @birdsncherries #VtsForDevelopers
    © 2016 Nerd/Noir, LLC.
    THE PROCESS
    Acknowledge all responses
    Point and be physically expressive
    Paraphrase each person's response
    Remain open and accepting
    Link thoughts
    

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19. @birdsncherries #VtsForDevelopers
    © 2016 Nerd/Noir, LLC.
    VTS & SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
    How can you see yourself using this tool?
    

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20. @birdsncherries #VtsForDevelopers
    © 2016 Nerd/Noir, LLC.
    (REFERENCE THIS TALK)
    (TWEET & DM)
    THANK YOU,
    KIEV!
    Alexandra West
    Creative Director
    alex@nerdnoir.com
    Slides - http://nerdnoir.com/talks/vts/
    

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