How can you use visual aids to improve team collaboration in operational planning?

1 Identify the purpose and audience

The first step is to identify the purpose and audience of your visual aid. What is the main message or question you want to convey or answer? Who are the stakeholders or users of your visual aid? How will they access, interact, or respond to it? These questions will help you determine the type, format, and level of detail of your visual aid, as well as the best way to present and share it with your team.

2 Choose the appropriate tool and format

The second step is to choose the appropriate tool and format for your visual aid. Depending on your purpose and audience, you may use different tools and formats, such as flowcharts, Gantt charts, mind maps, heat maps, or dashboards. You should consider the following factors when choosing your tool and format: the type and amount of data you have, the relationships and patterns you want to show, the clarity and simplicity of your design, and the functionality and accessibility of your tool.

3 Create and refine your visual aid

The third step is to create and refine your visual aid. You should follow some basic principles of visual design, such as using consistent colors, fonts, and symbols, aligning and spacing elements, highlighting key points, and avoiding clutter and noise. You should also test and validate your visual aid with your team, soliciting feedback and making adjustments as needed. You should ensure that your visual aid is accurate, relevant, and easy to understand and use.

4 Share and update your visual aid

The fourth step is to share and update your visual aid with your team. You should choose a suitable platform or channel to share your visual aid, such as a website, an app, a document, or a presentation. You should also provide clear instructions and guidance on how to access, interpret, and apply your visual aid. You should also update your visual aid regularly, reflecting any changes or progress in your operational plan, and informing your team of any updates.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?