explore · Ideation, Reflection, Understanding · 15–25 min · 1-40 people · low energy

Color, Symbol, Image

Color, Symbol, Image is a thinking routine that encourages participants to synthesize their understanding of a concept by associating it with a color, symbol, and image. This method promotes deeper engagement and diverse perspectives by tapping into visual and emotional connections.

When to use Color, Symbol, Image

Use this method when you want participants to quickly and creatively reflect on a topic, share their initial impressions, or explore different facets of a complex idea.

What it solves

Surface-level understanding, lack of engagement, difficulty connecting with abstract concepts.

How to run Color, Symbol, Image, step by step

  1. Introduce the topic or concept to be explored. (2 minutes)
  2. Individually, participants choose a color, a symbol, and an image that represents their understanding of the topic. (5 minutes)
  3. Participants write a brief explanation of why they chose each element. (5 minutes)
  4. In small groups or as a whole group, participants share their color, symbol, and image and explain their reasoning. (8-10 minutes)

Materials needed

  • Paper or digital whiteboard
  • Pens or digital drawing tools
  • Timer

Facilitator tips

  • Encourage participants to think beyond the obvious and explore their personal connections to the topic.
  • Create a safe space for sharing diverse interpretations.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants may struggle to choose a color, symbol, or image. Provide examples or prompts to help them get started.
  • Some participants may be hesitant to share their interpretations. Emphasize that there are no right or wrong answers.

Variations

  • Use different categories instead of color, symbol, and image (e.g., metaphor, analogy, question).
  • Have participants create a collaborative color, symbol, and image representation as a group.

Running it online or hybrid

Participants can use digital whiteboards like Miro or Mural to create and share their color, symbol, and image.

What it produces

Individual or shared representations of a concept using a color, symbol, and image, along with brief explanations.

Origin

From Project Zero's Visible Thinking routines — source

Build a session around Color, Symbol, Image

METODIC places Color, Symbol, Image inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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