"The Power of Visual Thinking: From Steve Jobs to Knowledge Graphs"

Kazuki

Hatched by Kazuki

Aug 17, 2023

3 min read

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"The Power of Visual Thinking: From Steve Jobs to Knowledge Graphs"

Introduction:

Visual thinking has always played a crucial role in human communication and understanding. From ancient maps to modern knowledge graphs, our ability to think in maps has shaped the way we perceive and share information. This article explores the commonalities between the visionary thinking of Steve Jobs and the evolution of visual thinking, highlighting the importance of creativity, connectivity, and simplicity in our ever-changing world.

Connecting Creativity and Technology:

Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, believed in the power of technology to enhance creativity and productivity. He saw the Macintosh as a tool that could revolutionize the way people work and express themselves. Jobs understood that making something wonderful and sharing it with the world is a way to contribute to human progress. This belief drove him to create innovative products that were both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Understanding the Origins of Visual Thinking:

The concept of thinking in maps is not a recent phenomenon. Humans have been using visual symbols, such as hieroglyphs and pictograms, to convey meaning for thousands of years. The Lascaux caves in France, for example, contain some of the oldest known maps, depicting the skies rather than the earth. From these ancient maps to the logograms and ideograms used in various cultures, visual symbols have been an integral part of our communication.

The Renaissance Thinkers:

Leonardo Da Vinci and Isaac Newton were two prominent figures who exemplified the power of visual thinking. Da Vinci's notebooks, filled with sketches and scientific observations, showcased his ability to connect art and natural philosophy. Newton, on the other hand, used diagrams to explore scientific concepts and advance his research. Both thinkers understood the importance of seeing connections where others saw separations.

The Birth of Ontologies and Knowledge Graphs:

In the realm of information science, ontologies have emerged as a formal representation of knowledge categories and relationships. Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, envisioned a future where computers would analyze all the data on the web, creating a vast network of interconnected information. This vision aligns with the concept of knowledge graphs, which aim to organize and connect data in a meaningful way.

The Metamodeling of Thinking in Maps:

As technology advances, the next step in knowledge management is the development of a metamodel for thinking in maps. This metamodel would serve as a new language and schema for representing our thought processes. Just as mental maps have evolved from simple tree structures to more complex node-link diagrams, the metamodel would provide a framework for visualizing and understanding the interconnected nature of our ideas.

Actionable Advice:

  • 1. Embrace creativity: Allow yourself to think outside the box and make something wonderful. Whether it's a product or a piece of art, channel your creativity to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.
  • 2. Connect the dots: Recognize the importance of connectivity in your thinking. Look for links and relationships between seemingly unrelated ideas, as this can lead to groundbreaking insights and innovations.
  • 3. Simplify and streamline: Strive for simplicity in your work. Find ways to make complex concepts and processes more accessible and user-friendly. By simplifying, you can create a better user experience and enhance the impact of your ideas.

Conclusion:

Thinking in maps has been a fundamental aspect of human cognition and communication for centuries. From Steve Jobs' belief in the power of technology to enhance creativity to the development of knowledge graphs, visual thinking has transformed the way we understand and share information. By embracing creativity, connecting ideas, and simplifying complexity, we can harness the power of visual thinking to make a lasting impact on the world.

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