Creating a Flowscape
Map your perceptions
A flowscape is a visual representation of our perceptions, allowing us to see how different ideas and concepts are connected. By creating a flowscape, we can identify key collector points, stable loops, and links, which can help us to better understand a problem or situation and find new solutions.
- The mind can only see what it is prepared to see.
- Perception is not about being right, but about flow.
- Concepts give us flexibility and movement in thinking.
- Decide on the topic or situationChoose a topic or situation that you want to think about and create a flowscape for.Pro tipStart with a broad topic and then narrow it down as you create your flowscape.WarningAvoid choosing a topic that is too complex or overwhelming.
- Write a stream of consciousness listWrite down all the ideas, aspects, and factors related to the topic or situation without stopping or editing.Pro tipUse a timer to help you stay focused and keep writing.WarningDon't worry too much about the quality of your list, just focus on getting everything down.
- Give each item a letter and connect themAssign a letter to each item on your list and then connect them to each other based on how they relate to each other.Pro tipUse different colors or symbols to differentiate between different types of connections.WarningDon't overthink the connections, just go with your initial instincts.
- Create the flowscapeUse the letters and connections to create a visual representation of your perceptions.Pro tipUse a large piece of paper or a digital tool to create your flowscape.WarningDon't worry if your flowscape looks messy or confusing at first, it will evolve over time.
- Examine the flowscapeLook for collector points, stable loops, and links in your flowscape to gain insights and new perspectives.Pro tipTake your time and be patient, examining a flowscape can be a complex and nuanced process.WarningAvoid getting too attached to your initial interpretations, be open to new insights and perspectives.
A person creates a flowscape to deal with a noisy neighbour and discovers that the key issue is the neighbour's aggressiveness and dismissiveness.
A city planner creates a flowscape to tackle traffic congestion and discovers that reducing traffic volume and increasing road surface are key concepts.
The concept of flowscapes was developed by Edward de Bono as a way to visualize and understand the flow of ideas and perceptions in our minds.