Visualization strategy tool and an empowering visual tool for multi-stakeholder projects by Kai Zhang

In multi-stakeholder projects, diverse professional backgrounds lead to communication challenges. Visualizing information is seen as a solution, but creating a structured approach for it remains challenging in both theory and practice. Many people acknowledge the value of visualization in communication involving multiple stakeholders, but there has been significant resistance to using it in practice. This resistance stems from the misconception that only designers or artists possess the ability to create visual content. Consequently, some people have difficulty expressing their ideas visually and tend to rely too heavily on graphic designers for visualization strategies.

To meet the primary stakeholders needs, in this case in the LIFE project, Kai created two tools: the “Empowering Visual Tool” (EVT) and the “Visualization Strategy Tool” (VST). The EVT was used to encourage residents of Amsterdam Southeast to visually express their ideas about the future city. This tool was later supported by the “Strategic Empowering Visual Tool” (SEVT) to handle complex information in projects involving multiple stakeholders.

MSc Thesis - Visualization for better Stakeholder Communication

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Impact template

Category	Activity	Participants	Place	Time
Livability	Activities, Social, Material	All residents	Test Neighbourhood, My district	Permanent
Input What will participants do?	These tools underwent multiple testings and iterations. 1. SEVT was applied in workshops, facilitating active and equitable participation in co-creation and effective collection of visual feedback from participants. However, further testing and validation of SEVT in diverse multi-stakeholder projects remain to be done. In the end, I provide a general guideline for adapting SEVT to other projects for further research and development. 2. VST, on the other hand, found application in two projects involving the creation of complex visual promotional materials. It effectively engaged stakeholders in the formulation of visual strategies, facilitating planning regarding the target audience, main message, and ways of interpretation. However, the feature pertaining to the selection of visualization methods within VST still requires further testing and refinement.
Output What will happen?	The EVT was initially employed to motivate residents of the Amsterdam Southeast area to express their ideas visually during a research of their vision of a future city. Subsequently, the EVT was expanded into a "Strategic Empowering Visual Tool" (SEVT), capable of accommodating complex information in multi- stakeholder projects.
Outcome What will change?	Improved stakeholder communication via visual communication.
Impact What will be learned?	Feedback is always welcome if one decides to use the tool.