Awakening Creativity with Visual Thinking Strategies: A COPAL Experience
Image: Diego Rivera, Detroit Industry
At Point A Studio, we are committed to fostering creativity and holistic thinking in organizational leadership. Recently, we had the privilege of guiding COPAL’s Leadership Team through a warm-up exercise inspired by Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), using Diego Rivera’s iconic Detroit Industry Mural. This adapted approach is a powerful tool to activate the creative center of our brains, helping participants "see" more holistically and process information in new ways.
The Power of Visual Thinking
We use artwork to encourage deeper observation, interpretation, and discussion. Here’s why this method is valuable:
Activates Creativity: Engaging with art stimulates the brain’s creative regions, making it easier to think innovatively and approach problems from fresh perspectives.
Enhances Observation Skills: By closely examining images, participants learn to notice details and patterns that might be overlooked, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of complex systems.
Encourages Holistic Thinking: Art invites viewers to consider multiple viewpoints and interpretations, promoting a more integrated and inclusive approach to decision-making.
Exploring the Detroit Industry Mural
We used Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Mural as a focal point for our warm-up exercise. This mural, with its intricate depiction of industrial life, provided a rich tapestry of themes and insights:
Interconnected Systems: The mural vividly illustrates the interdependence of various components within the industrial process. This theme helped the Leadership Team at COPAL understand the importance of recognizing and nurturing the connections within their organization.
Complexity and Integration: Rivera’s work highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of industrial processes, prompting discussions on managing complexity and ensuring seamless integration across different organizational functions.
Diversity of Roles: The mural showcases a variety of roles and functions, emphasizing the value of each contributor. This inspired the team to appreciate the diverse skills and perspectives within COPAL, reinforcing the idea that every role is vital to their collective success.
Impact on COPAL’s Leadership Team
Engaging with the Detroit Industry Mural through our adapted approach allowed COPAL’s leaders to:
See Beyond the Surface: By delving into the details of the mural, the team could draw parallels to their organizational structure and dynamics, gaining a deeper appreciation for the complexities and nuances of their work.
Foster Collaborative Dialogue: The exercise encouraged open dialogue and shared insights, strengthening the team’s ability to work together and co-create solutions.
Draw from Artistic Inspiration: Using art as a starting point, the team was able to unlock new ways of thinking and approach their roles with renewed creativity and vision.
Harnessing the Power of Visual Thinking at Point A Studio
At Point A Studio, we specialize in participatory engagement methods that inspire creativity and strategic foresight. If you’re looking to enhance your organization’s capacity for holistic thinking and innovative problem-solving, reach out to us. Together, we can unlock your team’s potential and navigate the complexities of your unique challenges.