DV Weekend Pickup #52

The Back of the Napkin by Dan Roam

It's likely you might have heard the term "on the back of napkin," it's often used to describe writing or drawing something out quickly to depict something.  Who knew every business problem could be solved this way?  No worries, I didn't either, but in this international bestseller Dan Roam shows us...

"Any problem can be made clearer with a picture, and any picture can be created using the same set of tools and rules."

Being a BIG proponent in the idea of simplicity naturally I couldn't help but pick this one up.  Roam does a great job outlining precisely how visual thinking works - LOOK, SEE, IMAGINE, SHOW - and how you can use it to be effective in whatever line of work you're in!  

He uses some fun case studies like Herb Kelleher's "back of the napkin" drawing to Rollin King which later would be recognized as the foundation of Southwest Airlines.  Roam never lets you forget penning a problem is simple as answering six questions and showing how they transition into pictures.

1. Who/What → Portrait
2. How much → Chart
3. Where → Map
4. When → Timeline
5. How → Flowchart
6. Why → Multiple Variable Plot

In an effort to not misrepresent his SQVID method - in honor of simplicity - I'll let you read the book to find out more.  It helps you design the ideal picture to bring clarity to any problem.  Solid informational read for anybody who teaches, instructs, or consults.  All in all, it has NOTHING to do with how well you draw but all to do with how well you THINK.

Crush the day!

DV

PS - If you have any book suggestions, please message me directly, I'll put it on my list!