Over the past decade, there has been a significant technological revolution that continues to shape our lives, with further advancements expected in the coming years. Our modes of communication have evolved drastically, from sending letters via post in the late 1980s and early 1990s to the lightning-fast messaging services like WhatsApp available today. It now takes just a few seconds to send messages, images, and documents worldwide, and most of us are constantly engaged with our mobile screens, accessing vast amounts of information.
The impact of this technological transformation on the human mind is profound. We have become reliant on electronic media, which delivers information visually. As a result, we tend to trust what we can see with our own eyes more than what we hear from others. Studies suggest that the human brain processes visual information 60,000 times faster than auditory information. Several examples illustrate this shift in our behavior:
1. We prefer to check cricket match scores on our mobile devices rather than listening to them on a transistor radio, as we did in the 1990s.
2. Webinars have become a preferred method of learning over attending physical training programs in auditoriums.
3. We rely on images and graphs for result analysis.
4. Flight schedules are checked on digital indicators rather than relying on announcements at the airport.
5. Sending digital greetings with images and text has become more popular for birthdays and anniversaries than making a phone call.
These examples demonstrate our inclination to process information visually. Visual management has emerged as a silent yet highly effective mode of communication, reflecting the changing technology landscape.
The impact of technological advancements on the human mind is driven by factors such as time constraints and intense competition across various fields worldwide. To stay ahead or simply survive, individuals seek to acquire knowledge and skills quickly.
This transformation is also reflected in industries and businesses, which face increasing competition due to globalization and technological changes. To excel or even remain viable, companies must enhance their performance in every aspect of their operations. This necessitates a change in mindset from security guards to CEOs. Implementing visual management throughout the organization fosters a culture of teamwork and improved performance.
Effective visual management requires adhering to certain guidelines:
1. Choose appropriate visual displays that convey the intended messages quickly and accurately.
2. Place displays in strategic locations where they are easily visible and legible.
3. Ensure that the language and size of the displays are suitable for maximum effectiveness.
Visual displays within a facility can encompass safety posters, quality and productivity posters, safety signs, work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), informative boards, material identification boards, performance whiteboards, and compliance boards, among others. These displays act as a continuous source of guidance available 24/7, ensuring that important information is consistently communicated to the target audience.
Globalization has enabled businesses from different countries to adopt international techniques and standards to enhance their performance. Visual management complements various methodologies such as 5S, lean management, Kaizen, Poka-yoke, Kanban, Six Sigma, total quality management (TQM), total productive maintenance (TPM), and Gemba.
Many companies and facilities have already reaped the benefits of visual management, and this trend is expected to continue for the next few decades. Implementing visual management projects has yielded remarkable results for various companies and establishments, creating an inspiring work culture that supports overall business performance and sustainability.
Visualmitra, for instance, has successfully executed over 200 visual management projects in industries and commercial establishments, receiving positive feedback from clients. The primary objective of these projects is to foster an inspiring work culture that contributes to the long-term success and sustainability of the company.