Unfolding the Napkin: The Hands-On Method for Solving Complex Problems with Simple Pictures

Roan continues his napkin idea in this book of problem solving using pictures. Here is his premise: “1. There is no more powerful way to discover a new way than to draw a simple picture. 2. There is no faster way to develop and test and idea than to draw a simple picture. 3. There is no more effective way to share an idea with other people than to draw a simple picture.” And, to these statements, I add, and, you don’t need to be an artist to do it! Roan has a four-step technique of solving complex problems: looking, seeing imagining, and showing. What doe he mean? Look means to examine the nature of the problem and be able to draw a picture illustrating the problem. Seeing means that we need to break up the overwhelming big proms show more into smaller pieces and be able to draw a picture about those component parts. Imagine means to see the possibilities by drawing pictures about possible solutions and approaches. Share means to use pictures to share our inspiration with other for group analysis and decision-making. Notice the similarity between this model and information literacy models. Finally, a note about the structure of this book. The author writes as if we are in a four-day seminar. This means that you can “attend” the seminar just by reading and following the book along or you can pay to attend a very expensive seminar with the author. In the final analysis, this is a worthwhile book that when understood can automatically become a part of your own problem solving skill 0 an invaluable asset to teacher librarians. Highly recommended. show less