Enterprise Abstraction

Periodic Table of Visualization

I was sent a really neat link to a Periodic Table of Visualization Methods.  It's of interest to me as an architect that's always trying to find innovative (and concise) ways to explain complicated concepts.  Whilst we do have a very good and working modelling practice that's based mainly on data flow diagrams (DFD), sometimes it's nice to present concepts differently, particularly if you're trying to converge in a particular direction, or to solicit new inputs.

We're always challenged when we're producing "presentation level" models... in that the somewhat sterile architecture models probably don't always evoke the desired response.  In these cases the standards often go out the window and we attempt to present in most effective (and interesting) way possible.

Complex problem solving

I just found this interesting interactive diagram about the art of complex problem solving.  Lot's of things in the model ring true to me with regard to the architecture field.

It makes me think about times when I've failed to communicate some of my visual models effectively, thus failing to actually communicate the mental model I'd intended in the audience.  When you think about it, it's kind of amazing that we're able to communicate complex ideas at all.

- Via Digg.