The document discusses different types of visual models for making sense of complex information and communicating concepts. It provides examples and descriptions of mind maps, concept maps, system maps, mental models, and concept models. For each model type, the document explains the purpose and provides one or more illustrative examples. It emphasizes that visual models are useful tools for gathering thoughts, organizing understanding, mapping systems, understanding mental models, and messaging complex ideas.
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Make the Complex Clear with Maps and Models
1. 01
WORLD IA DAY 2016
01
WORLD IA DAY 2016
CHRISTINA
WODTKE
@cwodtke
MODELING
COMPLEXITY
20. 01
CHRISTINA WODTKE
HEADER OF
THIS PAGE
From Rolf Faste’s MindMapping article
The basic principles of mind mapping are:
1 Create a Center Statement.
2 Develop ideas radially outward.
3 Capture ideas quickly.
4 Use lines to show connections.
5 Create train-of-thought structures.
6 Follow an idea as far as it will go.
7 Work from the known to the unknown.
8 Return to the center when ideas are exhausted.
9 Increase density to create richness.
10 Avoid being judgmental.
11 Have fun with the form.
25. 01
CHRISTINA WODTKE
HEADER OF
THIS PAGE
From Hugh Dubberly’s Creating Concept Maps
• List terms
• Edit the list
• Define the remaining terms
• Create a matrix showing the relations of terms
• Rank the terms
• Decide on main branches or write framing
sentences
• Fill in the rest of the structure
• Revise
• Apply typography to reinforce structure
• ReviseDIAGRAM BY DAN BROWN
30. 01
CHRISTINA WODTKE
HOW TO:
INVENTORY SYSTEM
CATEGORIZE OBJECTS & RELATIONSHIPS
CREATE A VISUAL VOCABULARY (OR ADOPT ONE)
CREATE MULTIPLE SKETCHES TO EXPLORE BEST
COMMUNICATION APPROACH
TEST APPROACH
System Maps
32. 01
CHRISTINA WODTKE
CENTER FOR RESEARCH ON ENVIRONMENTAL
DECISIONS
HTTP://GUIDE.CRED.COLUMBIA.EDU/GUIDE/SEC1.HT
ML
A mental model represents a
person’s thought process for how
something works (i.e., A person’s
understanding of the surrounding
world). Mental models, which are
based on often-incomplete facts,
past experiences, and even intuitive
perceptions, help shape actions and
behavior, influence what people pay
attention to in complicated
situations, and define how people
approach and solve problems.
41. CHRISTINA WODTKE @CWODTKE
CHRIS CRAWFORD EXPLAINS DIFFERENT KINDS OF PLAY
HTTP://WWW.SCOTTKIM.COM.PREVIEWC40.CARRIERZONE.COM/THINKINGGAMES/WHATISAPUZZLE/INDEX.HTML
HTTP://WWW.ERASMATAZZ.COM/LIBRARY/THE-JOURNAL-OF-COMPUTER/JCGD-VOLUME-4/MY-DEFINITION-OF-GAME.HTML
52. 01
CHRISTINA WODTKE
EAMES EXPLAIN DESIGN
“What the [design]
diagram shows is the
overlap of concerns
among three different
entities. The first
represents the area of
interest to the
designer. The second
represents the areas
of interest to the
client. The third is
the area of interest to
society as a whole.
Charles and Ray’s
point is that it is in
the area where all
three overlap that the
designer can work
with enthusiasm and
conviction . . .
78. 01
CHRISTINA WODTKE
A simple model you
can draw on a
whiteboard becomes
a meme.
Is this why Lean
Startup is huge?
79. 01
CHRISTINA WODTKE
Determine the GOAL: how will the model be used, by whom?
What is the job of the model? To change minds, explain a
concept, simplify complexity?
INVENTORY THE CONCEPTS: brainstorm many parts of
your concept. Keep adding more in the margins as you go.
INSPECT THE CONCEPTS: are there many concepts hiding
in one? Do you really understand each idea?
Determine the RELATIONSHIPS: how do the concepts
interact?
Decision point: do i understand the ideas and what i’m
trying to communicate?
Test: ask yourself if the model “feels” right.
If yes, then continue.
ITERATE with words and pictures: talk to yourself and draw
it out!
EVALUATE with yourself/the client: keep making sure the
drawings match the ideas you wish to communicate. Don’t
punk out early! Rest if you need to!
Decision point: does my audience understand the ideas
and what i’m trying to communicate?
Test: can my audience answer key questions with the model?
If yes, then continue.
REFINE: use color, type, line weight, and labels to make sure
you are communicating clearly.
83. CHRISTINA WODTKE @CWODTKE
PAST AND FUTURE?
TVERSKY, B VISUALIZING THOUGHT HTTPS://MECHANISM.UCSD.EDU/TEACHING/F12/CS200/READINGS/TVERSKY.VISUALIZINGTHOUGHT.2010.PDF
85. CHRISTINA WODTKE @CWODTKE
Metaphor
“LOOKING UP” “LOOKING FORWARD TO”
“FEELING DOWN” “DOWN IN THE DUMPS”
“MALADROIT” “SINISTER”
“ON THE ROAD TO PEACE” “DOORWAY TO SUCCESS”
“LIFE IN THE FAST LANE” “TAKE IT TO THE NEXT
LEVEL” LEVEL UP”
94. 01
CHRISTINA WODTKE
MIND MAPS, to gather your
thoughts
CONCEPT MAPS, to organize
your understanding
SYSTEM MAPS, to map the
system (a tautology, but an
accurate one)
MENTAL MODELS, to
understand and communicate
your user’s understanding
CONCEPT MODELS, to
message a way to think about
a complex system
96. 01
CHRISTINA WODTKE
Thank you.
QUESTIONS?
MORE: FIVE MODELS FOR MAKING
SENSE OF COMPLEX SYSTEMS
A VISUAL VOCABULARY FOR
CONCEPT MODELS
ALPHABETS AND IDEOGRAPHS
CHRISTINA WODTKE
@CWODTKE
CWODTKE.COM