Are You a Visual Thinker? Here's How to Find Out
Last month, a friend of mine sent me a TikTok about having an “inner voice.” I had heard this topic discussed before and always found it interesting. The short video explained that if you didn’t have an inner voice narrating your life and actions, you were a “psychopath.” A bit dramatic, right? So, naturally, I assumed I MUST have an inner voice—I’m no psychopath. But, if I’m being honest with myself, I wasn’t really sure what it meant. We all tend to assume that everyone thinks the same way we do, but that’s not the case at all. There are various pathways to conscious thought, and verbal thinking (or an “inner voice”) is just one of them. By coincidence, that same week I came across two books called Visual Thinking—one by Temple Grandin and the other by Rudolf Arnheim. I read them both. In both books, each author discusses the continuum of thinking styles, and how adopting certain habits within your processing style likely indicates that you lean more or less towards visual thinking. Grandin advocates for autistic individuals, while Arnheim advocates for artists and architects. Am I visual thinker? I had a moment of self reflection:
When I was earning my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, I studied for exams by writing questions and their corresponding answers on notecards, grouping them by topic, and laying them out on the floor. I would then memorize the layout of the notecards like a patchwork. During exams, I would visualize the floor in my mind’s eye, navigate to the specific topic group, and see the answer next to the question. This method made perfect sense to me, and I achieved good grades using it. In retrospect, I realize this wasn’t a conventional way of studying.
When I think of the future or the past, I see it as a hazy movie. The further away in time from the present the more hazy and chopped up the movie becomes.
I enjoy anything and everything that has to do with visual media. This goes without saying — I’ve had two careers centered around visual professions — fine art curation & sales, and graphic design.
Visual thinking is a powerful tool that allows individuals to process information, solve problems, and communicate ideas through images, diagrams, and visual representations. But how do you know if you’re a visual thinker? Let’s explore the traits of visual thinkers, why visual thinking matters, and how you can discover if this is your dominant thinking style.
What is Visual Thinking?
Visual thinking refers to the ability to process and understand information through visual means. Instead of relying solely on words or numbers, visual thinkers use images, colors, and spatial relationships to interpret and solve problems. This form of thinking taps into the brain’s natural ability to process visual information, making it easier for some people to grasp complex concepts or remember details.
Signs That You Might Be a Visual Thinker
If you’re curious whether you’re a visual thinker, consider the following traits and habits that are common among visual thinkers:
You Remember Faces Better Than Names: If you find it easier to remember a person’s face rather than their name, this could be a sign that your brain is wired to prioritize visual information.
You Think in Pictures: When you’re trying to solve a problem or brainstorm ideas, do you see images or diagrams in your mind? Visual thinkers often visualize scenarios or concepts as images in their mind's eye.
You’re Drawn to Visual Arts: Whether it’s photography, painting, or design, visual thinkers tend to have a strong affinity for visual arts and may even pursue these as hobbies or careers.
You Use Diagrams and Charts to Understand Concepts: If you prefer to use flowcharts, mind maps, or diagrams to make sense of information, this is a strong indicator that you’re a visual thinker.
You’re Good at Spatial Reasoning: Visual thinkers often excel at tasks that require spatial reasoning, such as assembling furniture, solving puzzles, or navigating new environments.
You Enjoy Creating Visual Presentations: If you take pleasure in designing slides, infographics, or other visual materials, it’s likely that you are a visual thinker.
Why Knowing Your Thinking Style Matters
Understanding whether you’re a visual thinker is more than just an interesting self-discovery—it can have practical implications for how you approach learning, problem-solving, and communication.
Improved Learning: If you know you’re a visual thinker, you can tailor your learning strategies to include more visual aids like videos, diagrams, and infographics, making it easier to absorb and retain information.
Enhanced Problem-Solving: Visual thinkers often excel at breaking down complex problems into visual components, which can make finding solutions more intuitive and straightforward.
Better Communication: By recognizing your visual thinking style, you can leverage visual tools to communicate more effectively, whether in professional settings or personal interactions.
How to Discover If You’re a Visual Thinker
If you’re still unsure whether you’re a visual thinker, here are some ways to find out:
Take a Visual Thinking Test: There are various online assessments designed to evaluate your thinking style. These tests often include questions about how you process information, solve problems, and recall memories. As a start, I have a quick pop-psychology Y/N questionnaire at the bottom of this blog post.
Reflect on Your Learning Preferences: Think about the methods you prefer when learning new information. Do you gravitate towards videos, diagrams, or hands-on activities? This reflection can provide insight into your thinking style.
Experiment with Visual Tools: Try incorporating more visual elements into your daily routines. Use mind maps for brainstorming, sketch out your ideas, or create visual presentations. If these methods feel natural and effective, you’re likely a visual thinker.
Ask for Feedback: Sometimes, others can provide valuable insights into our thinking styles. Ask friends, colleagues, or mentors if they notice you relying on visuals more than others.
Discovering that you’re a visual thinker can open up new ways of approaching your work, learning, and problem-solving. By embracing this thinking style, you can enhance your creativity, improve your ability to communicate complex ideas, and ultimately, achieve greater success in both your personal and professional life. Below is a short quiz to get you started, if you answer the majority of these questions Yes, then you lean towards visual thinking.
