As our idea for visual conversations continues to spread I have the opportunity to meet and talk to some great people. It has been very interesting to say the least. Many of them come from industries that we never expected to connect with. Most of are core users see ConceptShare as a way to streamline the design and innovation process. To  some the image is all important, discovery and discussion have to happen around an image.

One of the coolest people that I have had the opportunity to talk with is Felice Frankel, admittedly I didn’t know about her work before we started talking. I am not even sure where to start to describe Felice’s achievements. I leave that to her site and a search on google, there is a plethora of great reading about her work. Felice is a leader in the use of image to promote discussion of science using images.

“The Image and Meaning (IM) events, part of Harvard University’s Initiative in Innovative Computing (IIC), began in 2001 by Felice Frankel in MIT’s Envisioning Science Project. Felice Our purpose is to help scientists, writers and visual communicators develop and share improved methods of communicating scientific concepts and technical information through images and visual representations. The goal is to enhance the level of discourse within the scientific community, among teachers and students, and those who communicate with the public.” There is a great movie on the site that I think is tremendous …it is a montage of great shots from their workshops.

I am most taken by Felice’s ability to capture incredibly stunning images. These images are much more then just pretty pictures. They provide a discussion point. So what is this image? If you are like me this image creates questions and a natural sense of wonder. How much better is an image vs text? In this case is worth 10,000 words. How much conversation can happen over this image?

Photo Credit MAGNETIC A 3-cm drop of ferrofluid, a suspension of magnetite in oil, placed on a glass slide. Under the slide is a yellow Post-it and seven circular magnets.
© FELICE FRANKEL, FROM “ENVISIONING SCIENCE”

“This compound is the basis for one of the most astounding demonstrations I have seen in science: the response of a ferrofluid to a strong magnet. A common ferrofluid comprises nanoscale particles of magnetite suspended in a liquid. When a magnet is brought up to a black quiescent puddle of ferrofluid, the liquid suddenly seems to come to life: The placid surface of the puddle erupts into spikes as suspended nanoscale particles of magnetite relocate themselves in the magnetic field and drag the liquid along for the ride. Ferrofluids are used to dampen unwanted resonances in loudspeakers and to create seals for high-speed computer disc drives. There is even experimental work in which drugs are combined with ferrofluids so that their physiological location can be controlled with magnets.” Arthur B. Ellis

I wouldn’t even know where to start talking about the above paragraph, does nothing to help me understand what is happening in this experiment. I am really interested to hear about how our readers use images to communicate meaning. So much more effective in sharing information, there is very little left up to the personal interpretation of words or linguistic differences. Show me a picture …
I am also very glad to know that Felice is a Mac User, curious as to how she captures such brilliant images? Check out her profile page on apple, it has her complete setup. From the sounds of it …she has a really pro set up.

I have been looking for her book “Envisioning Science : The Design and Craft of the Science Image” Once I have had a chance to get down and check out her book i will be sure give it a read and let you know.

Cheers

Scott

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