Welcome to the Visual Thinking Workshop! I’m Zsolt Viczián, a seasoned engineer and creator of the Obsidian Excalidraw and ExcaliBrain plugins. With 20+ years of experience in problem-solving and visual thinking, I’m here to help you unlock your creativity and streamline your workflow. Learn more about me here.
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My journey into PKM began over 30 years ago during university, driven by a desire to organize my study notes and information for effortless retrieval and transformation into actionable knowledge.
Over the years, I have learned about many interesting methodologies and useful tools, including mind-mapping and note-taking programs. However, most of these were cumbersome in supporting the references between my notes, and even when references were well-solved, the notes were primarily text-based and linear, meaning that I had to read the letters one after another to access the knowledge, rather than accessing it as it appears in the mind.
I began searching for a methodology and software that best fits the way my mind works and the processes that take place in my brain.
I came to the realization that it is not enough to think in two dimensions, where one dimension is the information contained in my notes and can only be read linearly, and the other dimension is the multitude of folders where I store these documents.
I needed at least three dimensions, where the third dimension represents the references between individual notes and the labeling of documents.
However, a 4-dimensional solution would be ideal. The fourth dimension represents the documents stored at individual reference points, which are not linear but pictorial, and which we can perceive instantly rather than sequentially so that the connections are immediately visible and we can analyze the information in any desired order.
It's like looking at a shop window instead of a shopping list.
4D visual notes hyperlinked, embedded, tagged, and cross-referenced is what I find to be the most natural and appropriate solution for today's world and the tremendous amount of information we deal with every day. I call this approach The MindSET, which refers to the set of interlinked visual notes in my PKM and the tools and techniques required to operate this PKM effectively.
This is where I stand today. Based on my current best knowledge. Over thirty years of research and thinking have led me to believe that The MindSET is the most effective personal knowledge management system available today. However, The MindSET is also a journey as I continue to learn, improve and develop my understanding and the system. I seek those who would like to join me on this path to move forward together. Join the Visual Thinking Workshop to explore and develop our MindSET together!
Follow the links below to learn more about Visual Thinking, Note-Taking, and Personal Knowledge Management (PKM). See my work in action.
Why Visual Thinking is the Missing Link in Your PKM
When we think about personal knowledge management (PKM), writing often takes center stage. We’re taught to jot down thoughts, organize them neatly, and create complex networks of notes. But is text alone enough to fully capture, process, and present the depth of our ideas? I argue that it’s not...
The Syntactic Theory of Visual Communication
From an early age, we are taught to read text but not images. Even though we start with drawings as children, we are gradually guided towards letters and words. As we progress through education, there's a noticeable divide: text is emphasized, while images and visual thinking tools are often sidelined...
What is the purpose and role of visual thinking?
Isn’t thinking more than just visuals? Why the heavy focus on visuals?
Aren’t we losing important elements of thinking by only using visuals?
Can visuals really improve my thinking? Why is most of the workshop about communication?
How Visual Thinking Transformed My PKM
As someone who has spent years developing tools like Excalidraw and ExcaliBrain for Obsidian, I’ve now moved most of my Personal Knowledge Management (PKM) into a visual-first approach. My problem-solving and thinking process usually begins with throwing words and icons onto a virtual whiteboard...
A non-visual guide to visual thinking
was recently at a family picnic where one of my cousins, curious about my YouTube channel and online course, asked, "Can you explain what you do, in simple terms? And why would someone care?"
To be honest, I struggled to articulate it clearly. I am so involved in the details that I find it really hard to explain the essence of...
and learn about visual thinking...
I selected 9 videos as an introduction to my Visual PKM work...
Discover the benefits and applications of Visual Thinking in this AI-Generated Podcast. While machine-produced, the content is thoughtfully curated from 40 of my favorite books and articles. This engaging 36-minute deep dive explores the many facets of Visual Thinking. To enhance your experience, I've also created an Excalidraw mind map for easy exploration and interactive note-taking.
Choosing the Right Path with The Visual Thinking Workshop
Celebrate the Launch of Sketch Your Mind!
Get 35% off the Cohort 15 Bundle.
Use coupon code: SKETCH-YOUR-MIND-35
The Visual Thinking Workshop offers flexible learning paths, but the best value and experience come with the bundled packages. These bundles provide an integrated learning journey with built-in support, real-world application, and a collaborative community that makes the learning process smoother and more effective.
Self-Paced Course: This is ideal for those who prefer to learn independently. You’ll have access to The MindSET framework, the Demo Obsidian Vault, and a wealth of self-learning material, covering topics like reading comprehension, visual thinking, PKM, and various tools like Obsidian and Excalidraw. But, let’s face it: this course is challenging. You’re not just learning new concepts; you’re also reading an entire book while mastering several new skills. While the self-paced course provides flexibility, most people find it hard to stay on track alone. As the African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I recommend a structured and supported approach to go further, and that’s where the bundles come in.
Office Hours: To help with challenges, this package offers bi-weekly office hours for two months. These group sessions provide direct access to me for questions and guidance, ensuring you stay motivated and on track to complete the course within a reasonable time frame. It’s perfect for those who want to ensure they don’t get stuck on technical or conceptual issues along the way.
Cohort Experience: This adds a unique collaborative element, where you work in a group setting to apply the learning to a real book over five weeks. You’ll create visuals, concept maps, Zettelkasten cards, a story map, and presentations with feedback and accountability. The cohort brings The MindSET down to earth and gives you the opportunity to engage with fellow learners, creating the structure and peer support that often makes the difference in completing the course. This is the ideal option for those who benefit from practical application and enjoy working with others.
1-on-1 Coaching: For those seeking personalized guidance, this is a 60-minute session with me to address your specific questions or challenges. It complements the office hours and cohort, offering the most tailored experience available. We’ll focus on your individual needs to ensure you get the most out of the course content.
Bundles offer the best value for money, not only because of the comprehensive learning experience, but also due to a 20% discount compared to purchasing the components individually.
The Base Bundle combines the Self-Paced Course, Office Hours, and the Cohort Experience. This bundle offers everything you need to succeed: a flexible course, real-time support, and a collaborative learning environment. If you're new to The MindSET, I recommend this path for a solid foundation and lasting success.
For those looking for even more, the Premium Bundle includes all of the above, plus 1-on-1 coaching for an added level of personal support. This option ensures that you get direct, focused help on your specific challenges or goals, making it ideal for those who want a more customized experience.
Once you’ve entered the community through either the self-paced course or a bundle, you can continue engaging through future cohorts. These book-club style cohorts offer an ongoing way to apply your learning with new books and projects. The cohort keeps you connected with the community, learning, and applying visual thinking over time. Whether you choose to start small or dive into the full experience, the journey doesn't stop when the course ends—you can keep growing and exploring with the community.