Patterns: an inherent underlying structure within the system

Basic shape of a fern is captured in a simple stick shape and a few rules:

1 Stick shape is free to repeat itself at many different levels of scale;

2 Stick shape is placed in an upright position;

3 Last stick shape connects with what is already on the page

We see the fern, the pattern

• Patterns are fundamental to human sense-making
• Our work on cultural mapping shows narrative patterns rather than spider diagrams and the like, which assume causality and privilege the interpreter (which may be why some consultants like them)
  
• Humans are highly sensitive to patterns in other people’s reactions, the landscape around us, etc.
  • We have strong peripheral vision and can quickly sense that something doesn’t seem right if, and that is an important qualification, our attention is drawn to something through some form of anomaly
  • We can use Data visualization tools to see patterns