Shape Shift - The Flag
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking
The official newsletter of Applied Visual Thinking SUPERHEROES. Vol. 6 No. 17, August 15, 2025
Mark the Moment
Welcome to the Shape Shift Series — Part 6.
In our last issue, “Shape Shift – The Arrow,” we explored how arrows move us forward—helping us focus, connect, and take the next step. But once you’ve made progress, how do you mark it so it stands out later? How do you claim a moment and say, “This matters”?
That’s when you raise a flag.
Flags are visual declarations—simple shapes that grab attention and signal meaning. They can celebrate wins, mark milestones, or warn of hazards. A flag in your notes says, “Don’t overlook this.”
A Story from My Lawn
A few summers ago, our lawn was looking tired and patchy. We decided to bring in a lawn care company to get it healthy again. After each treatment, they would leave a small, brightly colored flag in the grass—not for decoration, but as a clear signal: “Keep people and pets off the lawn for the rest of the day.”
Those flags worked. We didn’t have to remember every treatment schedule or guess when it was safe—one look at that little marker, and we knew. It was a visual cue that carried important meaning, without a single word.
The Flag
In visual thinking, flags serve the same purpose—they stand out and communicate instantly. They’re markers that help you return to what’s important later.
Flags don’t just make your pages look interesting; they
work as memory anchors. When you flip through your notes, those little banners pull you back to the moment—reminding you of a key decision, a core value, or a win worth celebrating.
Why Use Flags?
Flags help you emphasize and recall what matters most. Use a flag when you want to:
1. Highlight wins or key ideas
Make your best ideas easy to spot later.
Example: Add a bright flag next to a breakthrough moment in a brainstorming session.
2. Mark milestones in a project
Celebrate and track progress visually.
Example: Draw a flag on your project timeline each time you hit a deliverable.
3. Signal values or themes
Assign colors or shapes to represent recurring ideas.
Example: A blue flag could always mean “innovation” in your notes, making patterns easier to see.
Flags are the shape of visibility.
They help you pause, take note, and make sure important things stand out—just like those little lawn markers that kept us from accidentally undoing the work we’d paid for.
Try This: Create Your Victory Banner
Next time you’re taking notes, find something you’re proud of—a decision, an action, a discovery. Draw a small flag beside it.
- Pick a color that matches the feeling.
- Add a word or icon inside to make the meaning clear.
Over time, your notes will fill with tiny victory banners—a visual trail of progress and pride.
Coming next: The Compass → Navigating with clarity and values
You’ve claimed your wins and marked your milestones—now we’ll explore how to use the compass to guide your ideas and keep your work true to its purpose.
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