"Visual thinking moves mountains" - Interview with Amanda Lyons.
Amanda Lyons runs courses and training sessions on visual facilitation, leads presentations in classrooms via Skype and works as a graphic recorder. In other words, she records ideas visually at meetings. Conny Wetter met the consultant, artist, moderator and visual thinker in New York for an interview.
Conny Schwegler NeulandMAGAZIN. My first question to you.
How do you think? Do you think visually?
Amanda Lyons
Ha! Thanks for that question. I've been thinking about the changing seasons for a while now, fall being my favorite. Here in Brooklyn, the leaves on the trees change color, then they fall and the temperature drops. It reminds you to notice nature and find ways to appreciate this incredibly complex system we live in. I appreciate the inner connection. Yes, I perceive my thoughts visually, I observe in my perception, so to speak, how the wind moves the leaves. Sometimes it's even as if my hand is drawing every image I'm thinking about ...
How long have graphic facilitation and graphic recording been around?
It's actually been around since people made drawings in caves to communicate. In that sense, it's nothing new at all. But as far as the more recent development in this field is concerned, these applications seem to have come from a group of facilitators, architects and computer designers who came together in California in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, graphic facilitation and recording is used worldwide. I would like to add: if you ever have the opportunity to talk to someone who has a lot of experience in this field, listen carefully. Their stories will make you smile and laugh, they are full of wisdom and inspiration!
How long have you been practicing visual facilitation and what exactly do you do? Graphic facilitation and graphic recording and/or sketching? And where? In NY? Anywhere in the USA? In Europe?
I've been using visualizations practically my whole life, in the following sense: I use art to ask questions and explore the boundaries of how we understand content. I see myself as an artist, although many people who do the same as me don't see themselves as artists. However, I don't see all my graphic recordings as works of art. This may sound too much like splitting semantic hairs. However, I think that people are all too quick to put 'art' and 'artwork' in the same mental box.
When I guide people to use visual thinking techniques such as graphic recording, graphic facilitation, sketchnoting etc., it has more to do with connecting people with each other and with the content in the room. It's not about producing beautiful works of art. At most, this happens as a by-product, unintentionally so to speak, and of course it's great when something like this happens. But that's not the goal at the beginning of the work. My aim is to create awareness for the people in the room and beyond about the process behind graphic recording (or facilitation) and the reasons why we use it.
To come back to your question: I started my own company VISUALS for CHANGE about four years ago where I focus on processes in organizations and visual techniques. In general, I work with graphic recording and graphic facilitation and help people to integrate visual thinking into their own processes. I believe that this can move mountains! I love watching people realize that they don't have to be accomplished artists to produce visuals or even draw in painting studios! I'm currently building an online program, a sort of visual learning journey that lasts 9 months, where someone sets their own goal and works on it continuously.
As you've noticed from what I've said, a lot of what I work on I do from my office in Brooklyn, but am very happy to go wherever I'm needed. I love traveling and always add a few days for my own exploration when I'm in a place I don't know yet.
Did you like visualizing as a child?
Yes! Colour and creation have always been central to me. Drawing and painting, but also reading, have always been part of my life!
How do Americans react to visualization? Are they familiar with it or are they surprised?
Four years ago, every conversation started with me having to explain what I do. I even wrote a blog about it. And I still explain or show a lot today. But there are now also people who have heard about it or have experienced it themselves at a meeting or conference.
Are there any topics or content that come up again and again in all your work or that you specialize in?
There are a few areas that I really like, but I also enjoy learning new things! For example, I really enjoy working in schools and education or with organizations and communities that are undergoing change or want to reorient themselves. Anything that allows me to combine complexity theory, team building and visual thinking.
How do you create an environment that allows people to engage with each other and the content at a more intense level than usual?
I think it's extremely important to engage with the people in the room. Sometimes I use simple exercises, such as movement or a little group work - something that takes people out of their daily routine. Often this is achieved through simple drawing. It's always amazing how people come together when they are asked to form a team and draw together.
How do you see the future of graphic facilitation and graphic recording in the US and beyond?
I believe that people will not only see visual thinking as a legitimate method, but will know more about it over time. We won't have to justify ourselves as much. It will probably also be a way to stand out from the crowd. I hope that we will slowly realize how important visual skills are for our learning. But on the other hand, I also see schools cutting their art classes, which leaves me speechless.
How was your experience at EuViz in Berlin?
I had a fantastic time there and I took away many stories for my personal and professional experience. For example, I had to walk around in flip-flops because I managed to break a toe beforehand and there was no shoe to be found that would fit over the bandage. I really appreciated getting to know my European colleagues who rarely make it to the American conferences. These two things really impressed me: first, hearing from those experienced in the field, and second, how everyone was able to participate in Open Space. (This is a particular exercise where anyone in the room can bring in a topic and discuss it).
What impressed you most about EuViz in Berlin? What impressions did you take away with you?
What impressed me the most: the concept of EuViz was phenomenal. As someone who guides organizations in their development and someone who is interested in concepts for running meetings (also as a participant), I can say that the people who organized EuViz did an outstandingly good job! As I said before, the sessions were designed in a way that everyone could take something away, from the veteran to the newbie. I was blown away by the incredible job the hosts did to make us comfortable - they even organized sightseeing and food, in a uniquely friendly and engaging way. And as for Berlin - wow! What a city! The variety of art everywhere is very inspiring!
If you had one wish: What would you wish for the World of Visualization?
I would wish that people outside of the visualization scene realize how incredible this work can be and that the insiders don't let up and keep working to build a stronger community. Or: I would like to see the World of Visualization find its way into the work and leisure time of many people, helping them to better connect with each other and lead inspired lives in stronger communities.
Amanda Lyons attended the Carey School of Business at Johns Hopkins University and graduated with an MS in Organization Development and Strategic Human Resources. As an instructor for Outward Bound Urban Centers, Amanda taught leadership skills by building participants' resilience and compassion. The great outdoors served as her classroom.
In 2010, Lyons began her VISUALS for CHANGE program. This promotes easier mutual understanding through improved visual communication. As a sole proprietor, she works with companies of all sizes.
She also teaches leadership seminars at Rider University, facilitates and organizes business team building programs and events, and is currently involved in the Peeragony Project, which organizes a monthly Complexity group in Philadelphia and is building an online platform for a "visual learning journey".
