In January 2025, I had the privilege of collaborating once again with the amazing open space facilitator, April Jefferson , to deliver another art-infused experience. With every collaboration, we refine our processes, learn new things, and grow together. It’s always an exciting journey, and this time was no exception! Illustration by Ashanti Gardner One of the things I really enjoy is when a client has a clear theme or vision in mind for their event or conference. This particular client’s theme was inspired by a concept called escape velocity —the minimum speed needed for an object to escape the gravitational pull of a planet (according to Wikipedia). I will admit, I was not familiar with the concept at first, so I spent a few hours researching it, then another few hours brainstorming and sketching how I could visually represent this concept in an impactful way. The final visuals we created were a hit. The client loved them so much that they wanted to incorporate the designs into their presentation deck for the main stage and as pop-up banners outside the event area. People were also really impressed with April’s thoughtful facilitation , and with the combination of her expertise, people commented how the visuals created a truly immersive and engaging experience . As we move forward, it is clear that how we curate a space makes a big difference. There is always room for improvement, and we learned a few valuable lessons from this event that will help guide our next one. Key Takeaways: Room Layout/Traffic Flow: For a more seamless visual experience, we found it works best to place the agenda board near the door, where participants are entering and exiting. This ensures that the agenda is easy to spot and keeps the flow of the event smooth . Sustainability Matters: Participants raised valid concerns about the plastic fidget toys being used. For future events, we have a selection of sustainable alternatives that still keep the energy of the space interactive and playful without compromising the environmen t. Invest in Good Photography: A good camera is a must for capturing high-quality photos and videos. For next time, we agreed to create a photography schedule to make sure we find time to capture those special moments for the post-event summary document. The other option is to find someone to task with taking photos and/or video. Stay Flexible and Have a Backup Plan: When the hotel misplaced our visual boards, I was able to quickly pivot because I had already researched a nearby art supplier. Luckily they located the boards. Always be ready for the unexpected! Confirm Shipments with the Venue: If you ship products or items to a hotel, avoid relying on a notification that the shipment has arrived. Work with your logisitics point of contact to get a direct confirmation from the hotel that they have received and properly stored the items. This will save you a lot of headaches when you arrive on location. All in all, this event was a great success, and we are already looking forward to refining our process for the next open space event. Every gathering teaches us something new, and that’s what makes this work so special.

Illustration by Ashanti Gardner As a self-described "design tinkerer" (a term coined by a close friend), one of my favorite ways to ponder problem-solving is to think about negative space, the space between shapes and objects. Long ago, a UX researcher and designer introduced a negative space exercise into a UX course to stretch our thinking around how to problem solve. What I learned is that problem-solving is more than thinking outside the box; it’s not about the box at all. To innovate, we had to become better problem-solvers. The core idea was straightforward: innovation is about uncovering what has yet to be discovered and the emergence of new ideas. However, to make those discoveries, we must look beyond what we see in front of us. This concept became even more interesting when I came across the Cynefin framework (Snowden, 2007), which explores how we approach problems based on what we know and do not know. How these two ideas—negative space and Cynefin—intersected made me think about how I could visualize all of this. I created the following visuals. While they might be abstract, I hope these visuals help convey the concept of approaching problem-solving with a touch of negative space. I In the first image, a simple chair represents the clear, straightforward problems we encounter. Just as we can see the chair and identify its issues, these problems have obvious solutions. The Known Known: Simplicity and Easy Solutions The first image is a simple chair—a known . We immediately recognize this, and the problem is apparent. Perhaps the chair has a scratch, or the paint is peeling. The solution is easy: sand it down, repaint it—nothing too complicated. This reflects an apparent problem in the Cynefin framework (Snowden, 2007), where we understand the cause and effect clearly, and there is an easy solution to resolve the issue. The Known Unknown: Exploring Complications The second image shows a chair with a red square object underneath. This raises questions, symbolizing problems that require more exploration and expertise. The same chair is still in the second image, but now a red square object is underneath it. This is a known unknown —we recognize the chair, but the square object raises questions: Why is it there? Who put it there? Should it be removed? At this point, the problem is no longer straightforward. It does not feel impossible to solve, but we need more expertise or input from others to figure out what to do. We need more analysis and probing. This scenario fits into the complicated domain of the Cynefin framework, where we know we do not have all the answers and might need outside help to get to the solution. The Unknown Unknown: Experimentation and Discovery In the third image, the chair is not the focus, leaving negative space. This represents the complex problems where solutions are not apparent, and we must experiment and explore. Now, we move to the third image. Here, the chair seems to have disappeared, and instead of being focused on the chair, we are focused on the emptiness around the chair—what I think of as negative space. This represents the unknown unknowns , a more abstract and complex problem. In the Cynefin framework, this would be the complex domain where the solution is not apparent, and you may need to experiment to see what works and what new ideas emerge. You might need to test different approaches, fail a few times, and iterate until something emerges. The process of experimentation allows for discovery and emergence. You will value curiosity, exploration, and learning from intelligent failures. Often times, these "unknown unknowns" disrupt the status quo. On the other hand, some become complacent and lean into the way everything has always been done . Suddenly, a product or service turns their industry upside down. Think about the fall of Blockbuster and Kodak. The final visual depicts a chaotic cloud, signifying unpredictable and high-stakes problems that require quick, often risky decisions. The Unknowable: Chaos and Disorderliness In the final visual, I imagine a chaotic cloud representing the unknowables . This space feels unpredictable, and nothing in your life has prepared you for what lies ahead. This would fall under the chaotic domain in the Cynefin framework, where everything is disorderly, and you are forced to act fast to regain control. In a time of chaos, how you act might be considered risky, and the solutions may be untested and unclear. In these situations, most people do what they can to rely on the expertise of others and hope for the best. Chaos is unpredictable . Think about the 9/11 attack - the New York mayor and emergency personnel had to act and respond fast. Negative Space as a Visual Tool for Innovation As many problems are all around us, there are also many unknown and emerging ideas around us. Whether the challenge is simple, complicated, complex or chaotic, understanding how to work with negative space helps us embrace uncertainty and take shape of what might be. The n egative space, those empty areas around or between objects, is a powerful metaphor for problem-solving. By focusing not just on what we see but also on what is hidden, we can uncover new opportunities and innovate in ways we had not imagined. Please share below your comments and thoughts. References Snowden, D. J. (2007). The Cynefin Framework . Cognitive Edge. https://www.cognitive-edge.com/cynefin/

Sustainability is more than ever a necessary lifestyle to preserve the earth and its bounty for future generations. At The Social Art Complex, we are working toward integrating more sustainable materials and practices into our work. Here, we will share our thoughts and ideas on a greener approach to being more climate-conscious. Photo credit: Alena Koval From Foam board to Cardboard Some visual practitioners rely on materials like foam boards, which have many environmental concerns due to their non-biodegradable nature . However, there are options like the Neuland wall, which is a good investment for those working primarily on paper. Transporting the wall from job to job is likely to have its challenges, which we are not privy too. Foam boards are typically the way to go for those looking for an easily portable and lightweight option. They are also easy to use when building large visual structures or printing pop-up banners. While practitioners have many options, some increasingly opt for honeycomb cardboard , a more sustainable and eco-friendly choice. Honeycomb cardboard is more straightforward to break down and less environmentally harmful than foam board . Few vendors sell honeycomb boards a sheet at a time. The honeycomb board is primarily used in units or packs. If you are lucky, a vendor may have a broken pack or unit; they may be willing to sell one sheet at a time versus a whole unit or pack. The other option might be buying and breaking a pack with other practitioners. Also, while we have not used honeycomb cardboard to build large-scale visuals, its smooth surface and sturdiness tell us that it might be a suitable replacement. Eco-Friendly Markers and Paper In our experience, most visual practitioners use water-based markers (water-soluble ink or acrylic)  because they are often easy to clean up. Imagine being in a hotel or museum and spilling ink on the floor - you want something washable!  Coincidently, water-based markers are less harsh on the environment . Most of the markers we use, like Posca, Neuland, and Molotow, are refillable too. In addition to markers, we use a significant amount of craft paper, particularly for in-person recordings. Paper is here to stay and easily recyclable. There is an engaging tactile nature about paper that draws in people - it is magical to see a visual evolve in real-time right in front of you. Marker case full of various markers. Going Digital Aside from paper, visual scribing with a drawing tablet, like an iPad or WACOM, is an eco-friendly alternative, reducing the need for physical paper and markers . However, this shift comes with its own set of challenges. For instance,  larger screens are required in-person  to make the scribing accessible and visible for good participant engagement. In a remote situation, virtual cameras allow real-time viewing of the visual practitioner’s work, enhancing participant engagement. Also, the visual can be shared quickly with one or two clicks. As new technologies emerge, we will see more immersive experiences through Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality and broader access to these technologies. Going digital is more of a choice. Think about the physical space, audio and visual requirements, the vibe you want to create, and the needs of your participants, then decide between paper or digital. No More Plastic Fidgets Having fidgets on the table during facilitated events helps some participants self-regulate their nervous systems, de-stress, manage anxiety, or soothe agitation . They are essential tools for supporting participant engagement and keeping people present. Many plastic fidgets are available online - making quick and easy to grab. However, searching for "sustainable figdets" leads you to other options. The best replacement we have found so far is fidget toys constructed of wood and metal,  which are better for the environment than plastics. Photo credit: Markus Spiske A Collective Responsibility People are increasingly seeking more sustainable ways to operate, and our responsibility is to meet these expectations. By adopting eco-friendly practices, we ensure that everyone can feel good about participating in our gatherings . With the current climate and environmental challenges, it is more important than ever to show up responsibly as visual practitioners. We must add value to the world and contribute positively wherever we can. By making these conscious choices, we hope to lead by example and leave a better world for future generations. Please share your thoughts or comments below . Resources Molotow Neuland Posca

Visual by Ashanti Gardner Innovation is all about making meaningful changes to what already exists. As a visual practitioner, I perceive innovation as an endless series of goals that we strive to achieve in order to remain relevant, fresh, and continuously evolving. However, it's crucial to remember that innovation isn't just a destination—it's a journey fueled by creativity. Moreover, creativity serves as the guiding force that propels us toward these innovation milestones, ultimately helping us achieve effectiveness and efficiency. While some may emphasize the importance of efficiency and effectiveness to reduce waste and streamline processes, merely urging people to be efficient and effective won't ignite their creative spark. It's creative, human-centric practices like individual and group ideation, visual business process mapping, contextual inquiries, and visual thinking that truly drive us to think differently, bold and big. While creativity is often undervalued and underutilized, it is essential for problem-solving. It allows our imagination to flourish and enables potential ideas to take shape, leading us to innovative solutions. The journey to creativity can be liberating and sometimes uncomfortable, filled with experimentation, prototyping, testing, making assumptions, and asking insightful questions. Encourage people to embrace this messy process if the risk of failure is minimal and no harm will come from it. Let them play, experiment, and explore without constraints. Guide them in unleashing their ideas without imposing rigid structures or dictating solutions. This approach exemplifies how to lead with creativity. In a world where efficiency and effectiveness often take precedence, we must remember that creativity is the driving force behind innovation. By fostering an environment that encourages wild ideas and playful experimentation, we open ourselves to limitless possibilities. Let people embrace the liberating journey of creativity and adopt a mindset that values imaginative thinking. Through our creative endeavors, we will naturally innovate and achieve the effectiveness and efficiency we seek. The key to staying ahead and remaining relevant lies not in reaching the next goalpost but in starting with creativity. Please leave a comment below and let me know other ideas or thoughts you have.

Embracing Collective Work: My Journey with the Tree of Life Card Deck I am excited to share my journey with the Tree of Life card deck—a tool I have designed to foster empathy, encourage exploration, and spark curiosity. Inspired by visualization practices, design thinking, and the belief that anything is possible, this deck aims to help create balance while facilitating meaningful conversations. The essence of the Tree of Life deck is simple: pick a challenge and use the deck as a guide. The deck offers thought-provoking questions that encourage deeper reflection and discussion. It is flexible, so feel free to adapt it in ways that resonate with you or integrate other tools and questions that may be necessary for your conversation. Sometimes, those in your discussion group (or even you) won’t have all the answers—and that’s completely okay. The beauty of the process lies in the journey of discovery and shared exploration. In the following sections, I will share the roots of this deck, based on my personal experiences and observations. Photography by Matteo Milan At the Center When people’s basic needs, security, and safety feel threatened, they might not be naturally inclined to engage in collective work. Instead, the instinct to protect oneself often takes precedence. On the other hand, some may actively engage in collective efforts but may inadvertently overstep boundaries of inclusive collaboration and co-creation. Interestingly, even those who have access to safety and security can feel threatened by the idea of sharing resources, which complicates efforts to come together. Without understanding people’s needs, perspectives, and aspirations, solving problems becomes more challenging and unclear. This is why it’s so important to center the people affected by the challenge. Listening to them, understanding their fears and desires, is essential for finding a path forward. Moreover, transitioning from an individualistic mindset to one focused on collective work is often more difficult than it appears. It usually involves sacrifice, compromise, and letting go of something personal. Societal structures, policies, and systems only add more layers of complexity. The tension between individualism and collective work will always exist —it is not about determining which is superior, but about understanding the value of both. Our goal should be to elevate ourselves and others towards meaningful collective work, recognizing the challenges and benefits it brings. We also need to be aware of the lessons history teaches us so that we can shape a vision for a better, more inclusive future. The Reality of Problem-Solving One of the hardest truths about problem-solving is that addressing one challenge often creates new ones. It is a constant balancing act. Challenges—both known and unknown—are all around us. That’s why it is so important to keep the people at the center of any challenge in mind. Engaging with them directly is key to ensuring data integrity and developing effective solutions. At the same time, bringing potential solutions to the table requires open communication. You must also consider the impact these solutions will have on the people involved, and how to manage any changes that may arise. One must be humble and not enter with a saviour complex. That said, the Tree of Life is merely a tool, not the solution or answer. Feel free to share below your thoughts and comments related this post. Please stay tuned for more information about the Tree of Life card deck.

In 2025, we will explore Augmented Reality (AR), expand our use of animation, and integrate Open-Space Technology into our work and offerings . As the world evolves, we are also committed to learning and changing. The video, captured in Adobe Aero, integrates layered image files and an animated GIF that plays audio after a short delay. The AR (as seen in the video above) is a powerful tool that allows us to overlay digital objects in the real world, fostering curiosity and play, particularly in the context of learning and sharing knowledge. However, we are acutely aware of the digital divide, which is widening with the increasing adoption of, most recently, Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence. As we embrace these emerging technologies, we are committed to staying informed about new advancements while being mindful of their accessibility. Our goal will always be to apply new technologies inclusively and not alienate those with limited or no access to such tools. Our next exploration will be into animation. While our use of animation has primarily been time-lapse videos and GIFs, we plan to broaden our skills over the next year. As we become more familiar with AR, we plan to learn other programs and methods to refine our animation capabilities and create more dynamic content. Lastly, there is Open-Space Technology, a liberating structure that lets participants set the agenda, propose ideas, and collaborate on solutions to tackle challenges while ensuring everyone has a voice. At the end of 2024, we collaborated with April Jefferson, Corp, and facilitated an open space event for 12 executive leaders and their managers. As we continue into 2025, we have more events planned. Integrating tools like open space is part of our strategy for fostering collaboration and innovation.  This approach encourages active participation and illuminates diverse perspectives, thus leading to more comprehensive solutions. Again, thanks for choosing The Social Art Complex. We would love to hear your ideas and thoughts on AR, animation, open space, or anything else you might have. Your feedback is important to us and will help us shape these initiatives to better meet your needs. Please leave a comment below.