Need to get moving? Take the stairs.

Deborah DeLue • October 16, 2020

The Art of Applied Visual Thinking


The official newsletter of Applied Visual Thinking SUPERHEROES.  Vol. 1  No. 1

Oct 16, 2020



We all have them, a project we keep meaning to start or one that’s almost but not quite finished. One we’d like to get in motion but just don’t get around to. 


Need to get moving? Take the stairs...


Awhile back, I had shoulder surgery which required several months of physical therapy. Sitting in the waiting area 3 times a week for months on end I began to find ways to entertain myself. One day as I was waiting, I noticed this sign and though it would make an interesting visual thinking model. So, I began to play with ideas for how I might use simple stairs as a visual metaphor. 

Take the stairs graphic
Project Closer Template

Perhaps as a  Project Kick Starter , with questions like…

  • Where are you now?
  • What you do want to achieve?
  • What 3 bold steps could get you started?


Or possibly as a Project Closer with questions like…


  • Where are you now?
  • What 3 steps could get you across the finish line?
  • How will you celebrate success? 


Project Closer Template
Have a project you'd like to jump start or one you need to close? Grab a free copy of the Project Kick Starter and Project Closer templates and get started visualizing your next steps. 
Grab Your Free Templates Now

After you start or finish your project give yourself a thumbs up with a little drawing practice!

Share with a friend

drawing of a smiling pumpkin
By Sheri Kennedy • October 30, 2026
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 7 No. 22 October 30, 2026 – Un-Scary
a flipchart with one key word or concept drawn large in the center, with themes radiating outward
October 16, 2026
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 7 No. 21 October 16, 2026 – OPENERS, PART 4: "Look…"
drawing of a great horned owl
By Sheri Kennedy • October 2, 2026
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 7 No. 20 October 2, 2026 – OPENERS, PART 3: "Let me show you…"
By Deborah DeLue • September 18, 2026
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 7 No. 19 September 18, 2026 – OPENERS, PART 2: "You see…"
AVT superhero, whiteboard character with diagrams and a Fact are holding hands.
By Sheri Kennedy • September 3, 2026
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 7 No. 18 September 4, 2026 – Partner your facts with good visuals.
August 21, 2026
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol 7 No 17 - Hard Thing Part 4 - Burnout, Overwhelm, and Anticipating Change
Drawing of a bus route from Technology Way in Watertown to Comm Ave @ St. Mary's in Brighton
By Sheri Kennedy • August 7, 2026
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking, Vol. 7 No. 16 August 7, 2026 – WE CAN DO HARD THINGS Part 3: Explaining Something You Understand Intuitively
Person drawing  2 option diagram. Thought bubble over the head contains circular loop.
By Deborah DeLue • July 21, 2026
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 7 No. 15 July 24, 2026 – HARD THINGS, PART 2: Deciding With Incomplete Information
Drawing of a person drawing 4 boxes with text on a whiteboard. On top of the board is yellow duck.
By Sheri Kennedy • July 10, 2026
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 7 No. 14 July 10, 2026 – HARD THINGS, PART 1: Info Overload
drawing of two groups missing a handoff; yellow boxes drop into a gap
June 26, 2026
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 7 No. 13 June 13, 2026 – SEEING THE UNSEEN, PART 4: Systemic Gaps. Illuminating gaps that fall "between."
Show More