Mariah's Biography

Mariah works as a meeting designer, teacher, and visual thinking specialist. She helps clients like non-profit organizations, corporations, and community groups to translate their visions, processes, plans – anything! – into engaging images. Whether she’s listening to a keynote at a large conference or sitting at the table during a small meeting, Mariah captures her clients’ key messages and themes in Visual Records – metaphors, images, and words that she draws in real time. She also loves designing meetings that tap into the wisdom of groups and their ability to think together. Mariah teaches the practice of visual thinking in public and private workshops, building on participants’ innate creativity and desire to communicate effectively. She lives in beautiful Oakland, CA, with her husband and lots of art supplies.

Please contact her at howard.mariah@gmail.com to find out how to bring visuals into your work.

Her clients include: Genentech, Salesforce.com, PepsiCo, Nike, The United Way, GlaxoSmithKlein, AAA, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), The Veteran’s Association, and many more!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Oldies But Goodies

Check out these very simple but effective maps. You can use them as handout templates or create large versions that groups add to with 'Post-It-Notes' or write on directly. Nothing wrong with simple, clear mind maps! They're a great way for groups to see timelines, action steps, or reflect on a recent event or project.





Synthesis Mapping

An assortment of maps created using a new synthesis process I developed. Once a meeting is underway, I work with facilitators and conveners to distill the key ideas and insights that we feel will be most helpful for participants to remember. Then we choose a visual metaphor and away I go, creating a synthesis map while the meeting continues on around me. My clients and I have found this process to be very effective as a way to ensure that the most important ideas and actions are captured.