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Liked It “A great book. The concepts explained are just priceless. What I didn't like is that the author tries to formalize them too much and give you a list of steps for each possible case. This is kind of hard to apply and annoying at some point. But the ideas are awesome.” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“A great book. The concepts explained are just priceless. What I didn't like is that the author tries to formalize them too much and give you a list of steps for each possible case. This is kind of hard to apply and annoying at some point. But the ideas are awesome. ”
Slavo wrote this review Friday, October 23 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Good reading now ”
Paresh C wrote this review Monday, September 14 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Cute book. Excellent for non-designers who want to visually communicate their ideas to people.”
Dwight C wrote this review Sunday, August 30 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Excellent book on visual thinking. If you want to get the most out of this book, don't just read, of flip, study it, and do some practicing as you read through it. I have used many of the techniques in the past but the framework that he puts in place to determine how and when to use pictures is great.”
Kevin D wrote this review Saturday, August 22 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“What did you think about this book?”
SoulSoup wrote this review Thursday, May 14 2009. ( reply | view 1 replies | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A very short and powerful book showing how regular people can start communicating better by drawing simple diagrams to share thoughts.”
Mathieu Plourde wrote this review Friday, May 8 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“The Back of the Napkin, by Dan Roam. This is a book about visual thinking and mapping. It outlines a process for breaking down complex concepts and problems into simple diagrams that make it easier to identify components, assess alternatives and find direct solutions. The concept is especially relevant in today's digital, highly visual age. Few things are linear any more. Visual diagramming makes that very clear.
Lori Martinek wrote this review Monday, April 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Roam outlines a system that focuses on 'four steps of visual thinking, six steps of seeing, and a visual workout that focuses on ideas'. If you are into brainstorming, this is your book. If you're not, well ... you really should be. And: Thinking outside the box is only possible when you know what's already in the box. Draw a picture showing what's inside and you're on your way ...
I have always been a proponent of using paper and pen (I prefer Sharpies) to break down a challenge to identify elements and potential solutions. I have made most of the big decisions in my life this way, and we begin major client projects by breaking them down into graphic components.
One of Roam's best lines: 'We don't show an insight-inspiring picture because it saves a thousand words; we show it because it elicits the thousand words that make the greatest difference. And that is communication that works.' Wow.
”“I read a review of the December edition of 'Fast Company' and it was rated as one of the ten best business books of 2008. As a fan of mindmapping I think it will be interesting to explore another visual approach to solving problems. I also like the notion of selling ideas with pictures!”
Roy M wrote this review Saturday, January 10 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Dan Roam's book provides detailed, clear instructions for visual problem solving and visual presentation of data. If I were trying to visually, creatively, present data, I would definitely work through all the steps in this book. However, since at the moment I'm not working through such a project, I quit reading about half-way through. ”
Beth Y wrote this review Friday, November 14 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“It's good and Dan Roam managed to take away parts of my inhibitions regarding drawing stuff. 3 stars.”
Andrei Iordache wrote this review Friday, June 13 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
