What is VTS?
Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS)
An arts-based, facilitated discussion method that is easy to apply.
An art image is selected by the facilitator ahead of time and the session begins with a silent moment of looking.
The facilitator asks the group “What’s going on in this image?”
o The facilitator paraphrases observations and can ask a follow-up question
o “What did you see that makes you say that?”
o Paraphrasing their response and pointing to the areas being discussed.
o Then the facilitator asks the group “What more can we find?” and continues paraphrasing observations.
The facilitator remains neutral in paraphrasing, not congratulating any single observation as that implies it is better than other observations.
As the discussion evolves the facilitator should link ideas together and identify themes as part of paraphrasing.
Learn more about VTS, from the co-founder Philip Yenawine, here.
Why use VTS?
Permission to Wonder
VTS helps create a psychologically safe space where more ideas are welcome.
UX environments especially need psychological safety for their research participants and for team dynamics.
Comfort with ambiguity is not natural but VTS helps us practice navigating ambiguity.
Facilitative leadership emerges from the practice of leading VTS sessions.
Adaptive collaboration and cross-functional teams can be nurtured with VTS.
IDEO has been using VTS for several years and has seen an increase in innovation and collaboration. Read more about their experience here.
Reflections from UX students and professionals
This was really fun, and I want to use this at work with sticky problems. Everyone had thoughtful things to say that I did not see in the image.
I enjoyed unlocking interpretations of the image through the eyes of the group. Each participant brought meaning that built the story.
Every had a different interpretation that helped me evolve the way I saw the image, expanding my view and adding to the richness of my interpretation as opposed to my first impression.
I enjoyed the whole process, including that the facilitator’s opinion isn’t part of the discussion which lets us develop our understanding on our own.
I really like the idea of showing the imagery then showing a wireframe or prototype, mock something up for designs to analyze. I will definitely be telling my bosses about VTS!
Applying VTS
Introduce the Basics
You can use the essence of VTS by asking coworkers “What did you see that made you say that?” when observations are shared but not fully explained.
Demonstrate a VTS session with coworkers and try to recruit at least one other person to facilitate discussions. Getting feedback about your facilitation is very helpful.
Follow a VTS discussion with an image related to a project such as a vision board, wireframe, prototype, website, etc.
Design thinking sessions and workshops are an ideal setting for a VTS discussion. VTS can be used as an icebreaker, iterative generator, and reflection activity.
Demonstrate a VTS session with managers and make a pitch for VTS training.
Experiment with VTS
Introductions through image selection where each person selects an image they resonate with.
Put people in pairs and have the introduction come from the partner rather than introducing yourself and why you selected an image.
Personal response tour is an activity where team members choose one image from a set and explain why they think it is relevant to the project.
Have team members create a collage that represents the mission of the project then VTS the creations with a group.
Some groups might want a warm-up activity before diving into a VTS session. Ask for feedback from your participants so you know what is working for them.
More about VTS
Image Selection
VTS framework has all the ingredients for a stimulating conversation, but the image selected must be thoughtfully considered.
The image should have narrative elements but also contain some ambiguity so there is room for multiple interpretations.
Think about your audience when selecting an image. If an image is too straightforward it can result in shorter discussions that aren’t engaging.
If you will have multiple VTS sessions with the same group, think about the sequencing of images. Consider the complexity of images, it can be challenging for a group if an image is too abstract.
VTS Resources
VTS @ Work offered by the Hailey Group is the best VTS training option for UX professionals as many of your classmates will likely be in the UX field.
Dr. Janneke van Leeuwen offers VTS trainings and has applied VTS to neuroscience research with recent publications about the social brain that can be helpful in advocating for VTS adoption.
Healthcare professionals should look at Harvard University’s VTS course Training our Eyes, Minds and Hearts.
Teachers and educators are the main audience for VTS Home training.
Facilitator Experience
Paraphrasing effectively can take practice, it is important to use conditional language and to frame observations in terms of idea or theme.
The use of “What did you see that made you say that?” is important to ground observations in evidence but also to maintain neutrality from the facilitator. The facilitator’s feelings about the image shouldn’t guide the discussion.
As the VTS discussion progresses try to identify themes and link observations together, referencing earlier observations.
Advance your facilitation skills by signing up for a VTS training course.