Remote collaboration is fun and convenient until communication gets messy. You hardly understand your team members’ ideas and vice versa. Also, imagine trying to explain a complex idea through words alone. It can get really frustrating.
When you feel so, visual thinking can save the day by breaking down those barriers. It’s easier for you to deliver ideas and for your team to grasp the message. But for sure, visuals can do more than that.
We’ll explore in more detail how visual thinking enhances remote collaborations. But first, let’s discuss the definition of visual thinking.
What is Visual Thinking?
Visual thinking is the practice of using visual elements (images, diagrams, charts, and sketches) to process and communicate information. Visual representations make complex ideas easier to digest, organize, and remember.
In remote collaborations, visual thinking can be implemented not only to convey ideas but also to deliver messages. For example, visual project management tools, process mapping, and workflow designs can also be included in visual thinking.
Such an approach taps into our brain’s natural ability to process visuals more quickly than text. In a nutshell, the key aspects of visual thinking consist of three points, which are:
- Representation of ideas
- Enhancement of understanding
- Facilitation of communication
Now, let’s understand how visual thinking can actually enhance remote collaborations. We’ve rounded up five important points below.
1. Visual Project Timelines for Clarity
Communication can happen asynchronously across time zones. This makes remote collaboration really challenging, especially when you have to keeping everyone on track and the same page.
Visual project timelines come in handy, and that’s why many remote workers and agencies use them for effective collaboration. This method keeps everyone on the same page (literally!), with clarity on project progress and deadlines.
You can also spot any bottlenecks that may arise along the way. Some well-known visual project management tools are Trello and Asana, but you can find many more online that can cater to your needs.
2. Problem Solving with Virtual Whiteboards
Solving problems or brainstorming ideas can feel like shouting into the void when working remotely. Emails or chat messages can’t capture your message as clearly as face-to-face discussions.
Virtual whiteboards can be a helpful tool to win this challenge. Instead of typing out lengthy descriptions, team members can quickly sketch out diagrams or ideas.
For example, Multimo’s remote product development team can use a virtual whiteboard to map a customer journey strategy. They can create a timeline for the onboarding process, add pain points, and drop in potential solutions.
3. Process Flows for Cross-Team Alignment
Cross-team collaboration is already challenging in physical offices and even tougher in remote teams. One reason is that different teams or members have their own workflows.
To address this issue, remote teams can use visual process flows like Lucidchart, Microsoft Visio, or a simple flowchart in Google Docs. You can create process flows that visually outline the steps involved in a project.
These flows show how each team’s contributions link to the overall goal. Moreover, they can see handoffs between departments (e.g., from product to digital marketing to customer support) and identify areas of inefficiency.
4. Interactive or Video Training Sessions
Visual thinking can also be used for training sessions. When training is done remotely, things can get difficult without proper visuals. Even plain video presentations can lead to disengagement and low retention.
Virtual training with interactive platforms and high-quality explainer videos are ideal for remote teams. These sessions often include interactive elements like clickable flowcharts, decision trees, or scenario-based learning modules.
5. Visual Voting for Efficient Decision-Making
Visual voting speeds up decision-making by making the results transparent. It is also easy to interpret at a glance, which reduces miscommunication and ensures that everyone’s input is visible.
Miro, Stormboard, and Poll Everywhere are a few examples of voting tools. Team members can give their feedback visually, using thumbs-up/thumbs-down votes, color-coded sticky notes, or dragging and dropping items to show their preferences.
When should you use such tools? Well, whenever you need to prioritize tasks or features, you can use one of them to gather opinions from team members.
How to Encourage Visual Thinking in Your Remote Team
Encouraging visual thinking in your remote team doesn’t have to be a daunting task. You can consider these simple steps to start.
Provide Access to Visual Tools
Invest in user-friendly visual tools like Miro, Canva, or Lucidchart for your team. If this is the first time your team uses these tools, make sure you offer training sessions or provide explainer videos so that everyone knows how to use visual tools effectively.
The easier it is to access and use these tools, the more likely your team will incorporate visual thinking into their daily tasks. Also, avoid overwhelming your team with too many tools in the first place. It’s better to do it gradually.
Lead by Example
As a team leader or manager, you should use visuals in your communications. This habit will expose your team members to visual thinking so they get a glimpse of what it is and how to use it.
For example, you can share a project’s progress through a Gantt chart or explain an idea with a simple sketch. When your team sees you using visuals, they’ll be more inclined to follow suit.
Make Visual Thinking a Part of Your Workflow
Integrate visual thinking into existing workflows. For example, use process flows or diagrams for project proposals and updates.
You may also conduct a brainstorming session during a meeting using visual tools. Use virtual whiteboards or mind-mapping tools to make it easy for everyone to contribute visually.
Provide Constructive Feedback
There may be cases where you use tools to create visual assets. When reviewing visual materials created by your team, offer constructive feedback.
Encourage clarity and creativity while ensuring the visuals align with your team’s goals. This way, you’ll create a more engaging, efficient, and collaborative work environment.
Show Real Impacts
One of the most effective ways to encourage visual thinking is by demonstrating its real impact. You can share metrics, visualize progress, or highlight case studies with your team.
When team members see how visuals improve workflows, communication, and overall efficiencies, they’ll be more inclined to adopt the practice.
Takeaway
Visual thinking goes far beyond enhancing remote collaboration. The above points are only a few of the benefits of visual thinking in creating a more efficient and engaging way to work together across spaces and time zones. Moreover, visual thinking is also crucial to enhancing productivity and bringing a sense of connection that’s often missing in remote environments. It fosters better communication and makes collaboration more human-centered, even when you’re miles apart.