Phase II: Resource Library Illustrations
3 approaches based on collated feedback
3 approaches based on collated feedback
To address these, I have developed three distinct approaches that aim to encompass the diverse perspectives and preferences expressed in the feedback. These approaches are designed to cater to the need for both evocation, providing an inviting stimulus for those new to the subject matter, and focus, ensuring clarity and signposting for those familiar with the content.
Each approach has been carefully thought out, considering the specific requirements outlined in the feedback. Importantly, the goal is that the aesthetic of non-cognitive appeal is thoughtfully incorporated as the shape and tone of the icon and background, while the inset illustration resonates with the cognitive visual method.
Evaluative Thinking
Visual Facilitation
H3Uni Practice Framework
Three Horizons
Scoping
Dilemma Navigation
1. Evocative Illustrations
This approach highlights the evocative aspect, steering clear of diagrammatic or geometric elements like boxes, labels and arrows. These are purposefully apart from existing diagrams and graphics—which would find their place on their specific webpages, maintaining context. As a result, these Evocative Illustrations primarily serve as stand-alone icons.
Look and Feel
Hands place emphasis on 'human' and 'manual' actions (in the literal sense), with selective use of a roller-print texture (hand-made). There is an intended contrast with the expected ‘clean’ visuals associated with corporate websites in favour of an imperfect human touch.
Considerations
This approach requires that the icons be more evocative than diagrammatic since they won’t be faithful to the colours of each method. It highlights the need for methods such as Wheel of Wisdom and World System Mapping to have their own distinct colour palette, distinct from the icons, on their respective web pages.
Colour Palette
Insights from the initial document review
All edits were approached with the insights and perspectives summarised below. Initial document from Phase I can be found here for reference; feedback document is here.
Tony’s Feedback
[Summarised]Tony appreciates the foundational aspects of the Resource Library designs but emphasises a preference for vibrant colors over pastels, driven by a perceptual cognitive rationale. He suggests aligning the colour palette on World Mandala nodes with the authentic ones, emphasising their careful selection based on implicit meaning tied to de Bono's cognitive modes. Tony also advocates for more authentic colours in the World of Work (WoW) visuals and explains that yellow should be used for hexagons in clustering.
Despite potential clashes with aesthetic presented in Phase I, Tony underscores the importance of these adjustments for developing subconscious neural appreciation among practitioners, emphasising the technical significance over purely aesthetic considerations.
Yasu’s Feedback
[Summarised]Yasu expresses gratitude for the shared Resource Library designs, noting improvement over the current images. She suggests addressing concerns related to images of human heads, emphasizing the need for a more contemporary and engaging look. Yasu advocates for an overall reduction in the ‘corporate’ feel, recognising the challenge in reproducing existing diagrams with a fresh approach. She proposes reconsidering the inclusion of a human head in the reflection concept, suggesting alternatives like a thought cloud or a mirror.
Additionally, Yasu recommends exploring creative representations for generative and lateral thinking, questioning the use of ‘arrows’ and suggesting more vibrant and evocative visuals, such as flowers. While acknowledging the current approach, she encourages consideration of alternative, less ‘medical/dry’, and more dynamic representations.
Layla’s Feedback
[Summarised]Layla offers immediate reactions to the Resource Library designs without overthinking, in her opinion the graphic representations of complex concepts work well and seem closely aligned with the originals.
Aesthetically, she finds them fine but suggests bringing the color palette and style more in line with the H3Uni logo branding. Specifically, she recommends replacing the 'sketchy' background with a brushstroke style similar to the logo or opting for a plain background for a sharper look. Layla also advises reducing the colour palette to align with the logo, as an abundance of seemingly random colours could make the web page feel busy. Overall, she notes that nothing major stood out as being out of place in the designs.
Maija’s (via David) & Tony’s response on Diagrammatic/Evocative style
[Summarised]Maija, in conversation with David, outlines a crucial distinction between Diagrammatic and Evocative illustration styles. Diagrammatic is for those familiar with the subject, needing signposts, while Evocative is for newcomers, requiring an inviting stimulus. Both styles are used on the website, and there is a need for greater awareness of when to use each.
Tony appreciates Maija's distinction. He suggests placing the contrasting values into a dilemma, creating a dance rather than opposition. Tony leans towards a resolution favouring the diagrammatic value due to the psychological impact of 'first impressions count.' He requests an aesthetic of non-cognitive appeal for the icon and background, with the inset illustration resonating with the cognitive visual method, allowing for a more freehand rendition. The goal is to use the icon as a supportive visual, stimulating neural networks for ongoing learning. In summary, it is suggested that the Phase II approach aims for evocation with focus.
2. Balanced Illustrations
This approach aims to find a balance between diagrammatical and evocative illustrations. It aims for an aesthetic of non-cognitive appeal (the shape and tone of the icon and background) and attempts to convey concepts at first glance. Look and Feel
Minimalist, freehand use of colour and line to convey information immediately.
Considerations
The expanded colour palette taken from the logo is used sparingly on each icon, so that they are self-contained. Overall these icons feel unified because of the minimalist graphical approach.
Colour Palette
Evaluative Thinking
Visual Facilitation
H3Uni Practice Framework
Three Horizons
Scoping
Dilemma Navigation
3. Moving Diagram Illustrations
This approach aims to discover a third path for interpreting and representing complex ideas, achieving a balance between the diagrammatic and the evocative, and rooted in the existing graphical concepts.Look and Feel
It may be possible to use this approach to avoid ‘prescriptive’ or ‘fixed’ representations of complex concepts. If so, it is beneficial to use a minimalist layout, flat colours and hand-drawn elements to make these moving icons appealing.
Considerations
Any movement integrated into the icons should enhance comprehension and pique interest; otherwise, it poses a risk of distraction or irrelevance. Therefore, it should be used judiciously, only where appropriate and alwyas in conjunction with static imagery.
Colour Palette