Adaptive Action, in action all around
When done well these informational graphics use charts, diagrams and illustrations to make complex ideas easier to comprehend. At their best the results can be quite illuminating.
Consider the way Randall Munroe of xkcd.com presents his observations, like in this infographic about the days of the week. (Click here for an enlarged image to see the detail.)
In this example, as in all of his infographics (some humorous, some meticulously detailed), there is a what in the data Munroe chooses to explore, a so what in the way he makes meaning of it, and a now what in choosing a creative display to share his interpretation of the original what.
Similarly, Foomandoonian (aka Geoff) put together a nice retrospective of Munroe’s infographics. He identifies the what as infographics examples done well, then makes meaning of them as collective (the so what), and shares them with new insight (the now what).
This second adaptive action cycle amplified my appreciation for the first. And in both cycles, the presentations that result serve "to make complex ideas easier to comprehend".
Examples of adaptive action – taking information at hand, making meaning of it, and taking new action – are all around us. It is the best way to take action in the face of uncertainty.
Where do you see adaptive action in play?
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