As this year comes to an end, we are looking back at the 2024 editions of Working Visually and sharing our key insights into unlocking new levels of success for 2025. From the fundamentals of human-centered design to the power of symbols, there’s something here for everyone.
Are you a new reader? Welcome! Dig into our full editions by following the links provided.
- Take time to explore a problem before jumping to solutions. While it is tempting to muscle your way out of feeling stuck, this can result in progress for progress’ sake rather than meaningful strides towards your goals. Injecting a moment of pause to reset and review your perspective can ensure your valuable time and energy are spent on the right things. (January)
- Science shows the impact of visuals. From childhood learning to complex data visualizations, our brains latch onto visual communications to make sense of the world. While using text may feel more convenient, it is rarely the most effective way to connect with your audiences. (February)
- Well-designed solutions require well-informed designers. When most people hear the word design, they think of a specific individual or department that makes things “look pretty.” Traditionally, that’s how many organizations are structured: subject matter experts develop content and concepts before handing it off to designers for improvements and polishing. At Throughline, we turn the traditional process on its head by including designers from the start. (May)
- Rapid developments in AI require an active learning mindset. While Throughliners dive into the exciting daily developments of AI capabilities, we also recognize the need for an intentional, well-informed approach to adoption. Our teams are building foundational knowledge of AI, continuously assessing validity and use cases to responsibly expand our creative abilities. (June)
- Harness design and interactive visuals to foster a sense of togetherness in the realm of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Remote-smart organizations offer incredible benefits of flexibility, productivity and diverse employees from around the globe. However, working remotely can pose challenges for traditional in-person engagement and activities and requires creative approaches to foster collaboration. (July)
- Prioritize the people, not just the problem. When solving problems, it is dangerously easy to forget who the solution is for. Leaders and teams alike can become hyper focused on an outcome rather than maximizing its positive impact. Human-centered design (HCD) puts the user at the heart of your operation and is pivotal to a solution’s success. (September)
- Harnessing symbols is key to connecting with your audience. Symbols allow us to break down intricate ideas into digestible visuals that can effectively communicate messages, and in today’s globalized world of business those messages travel further and faster than ever before. (October)
- Remote team building is possible (even enjoyable!) if you think outside the box. It can be incredibly tempting to rely on in-person interaction to drive progress in team alignment and upskilling, but today’s remote and hybrid work environments often require a more creative approach. (November)
The goal of this newsletter is always to deliver useful design and communications methods to our readers and spread a love of human-centered design. Thank you for being a part of our community. Here's to another year of pushing our creative boundaries!
