I’m thrilled to share that our article, "Visual Metaphors for Collaboration Planning in Strategy Meetings," co-authored by Mikko Illi, Masood Masoodian, and me during our Research to Business project, has just been published in the Journal of Strategy and Management by Emerald Publishing!
Our research shows that visual metaphors—which humans have intuitively used for thousands of years—are incredibly powerful and natural tools for improving collaboration. Yet, they’ve been mostly overlooked in modern meetings. From cave paintings to symbolic art, engravings, and paintings on monuments and religious buildings, humans have always used visuals to simplify complex ideas.
Furthermore, our research reveals that visual objects themselves are metaphors—they carry meaning that resonates with how we naturally think and communicate. Whether we’re talking about landscapes, interaction processes, or shared goals, these visual metaphors unlock new ways for teams to make sense together, enhance joint attention in meetings, and establish shared understanding.
Importantly, visual tools naturally align with how we think and communicate. It means that they are natural and super easy for humans to use. They break down complexity, engage participants, and foster shared understanding. While our study highlights the value of visual tools in strategy meetings, these insights are equally relevant to any meeting or workshop. Visual tools spark engagement and drive shared understanding, whether it’s innovation work, culture building, integration processes, or startup business development.
Are you curious about how these tools can improve your next meeting? Read the full open-access article and contact me at robin@epicmeets.io