Shape Shift - The Arrow
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking
The official newsletter of Applied Visual Thinking SUPERHEROES. Vol. 6 No. 16, August 1, 2025
Make a Move
Welcome to the Shape Shift Series Part 5.
In today's fast-paced and complex work world, sometimes it takes a little something extra to get your message to stand out above the noise. In our last issue, “Shape Shift – The Blob,” we explored how loose, organic shapes help us capture messy ideas. But what if you’re ready to shift from possibility to progress? What if you’ve explored the puddle—and now it’s time to really move?
That’s when you reach for a shape with intention and energy.
That’s where the arrow comes in.
My neighbor demonstrated one way to call attention to an important point. His parking space abuts a high rock wall. Cars tended to park close to the end of his driveway, making it difficult to see to get out safely. The city awarded his persistence with a no parking sign. The sign contains two BIG arrows pointing straight down as if to say, "don't you DARE park in this space!"
The Arrow
Arrows are the shape of motion. Sharp, direct, and forward-focused, arrows cut through confusion and point to what’s next. When you’re feeling stuck, arrows help you take the next step—even if it’s a small one.
In visual thinking, arrows create momentum. They don’t just organize information—they activate it. Arrows bring structure to sequences, spotlight priorities, and connect ideas in meaningful ways.
Why Use Arrows?
Arrows are directional by nature. They signal movement and help your thoughts travel. Use an arrow when you want to:
1. Make connections
When ideas feel scattered, arrows help you link them.
Example: Draw arrows between related notes on a whiteboard to make relationships visible—like cause and effect, or problem to solution.
2. Show progress
Arrows help you map a path forward—from idea to action.
Example: Planning a project? Use arrows to lay out key phases and transitions. Show how one step flows into the next.
3. Clarify priorities
Not everything moves at once. Arrows can highlight what to focus on first.
Example: Use arrows to mark urgent tasks, must-dos, or decision points that need attention now.
Arrows are the shape of clarity.
When you’re ready to move forward, shift your energy, or guide attention—draw an arrow. Let it point the way.
Try This: Create an Action Map
Start with a circle. Inside it, write a current challenge you’re facing—big or small.
Now, draw three arrows pointing outward:
- Next Step – What’s one action you could take right now?
- Support – Who or what could help you move forward?
- Unknown – What’s still unclear? What question needs answering?
Label each arrow and sketch small icons or notes beside them. Let the arrows guide your thinking from stuck to unstuck.
Coming next: Raise Your Flag → Declare Your Message
You’ve shaped your ideas and mapped your next steps—now it’s time to make your message visible. In our final issue, we’ll explore how flags help you take a stand, communicate clearly, and claim your creative space.
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