Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Back of the Napkin summary
Brief summary
The Back of the Napkin by Dan Roam is a visual thinking guide that teaches the power of using simple drawings to solve complex problems. It offers practical techniques for communicating and problem solving in a clear, visual way.
Table of Contents
The Back of the Napkin
Summary of key ideas
Visual Thinking and Problem Solving
In The Back of the Napkin by Dan Roam, we are introduced to the concept of visual thinking and its power in problem-solving. Roam argues that everyone can draw, and that drawing is a powerful tool for communication and problem-solving. He introduces us to the SQVID framework, which stands for Simple, Quality, Vision, Individual, and Change. This framework is designed to help us solve problems visually.
Roam then takes us through the four steps of visual thinking: looking, seeing, imagining, and showing. He explains that looking is about observing the world around us, seeing is about understanding what we observe, imagining is about generating new ideas, and showing is about communicating our ideas to others. He emphasizes that visual thinking is not about creating beautiful art, but about using simple drawings to clarify our thoughts and communicate more effectively.
Problem Solving with Visuals
Roam then delves into the power of visual thinking in problem-solving. He introduces us to the six problem-solving questions: Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How? He explains that by answering these questions visually, we can gain a deeper understanding of the problem and generate more effective solutions.
Roam illustrates the power of visual thinking with several real-world examples. For instance, he shows us how a simple drawing helped a group of doctors understand and solve a complex medical problem. He also explains how visual thinking can be used in business to develop new products, improve processes, and communicate more effectively with customers and colleagues.
Visual Thinking in Business
In the next part of The Back of the Napkin, Roam focuses on the application of visual thinking in business. He introduces us to the six Ws framework, which is designed to help us understand and solve business problems visually. He explains that by answering the six Ws (Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How?), we can gain a deeper understanding of our business and develop more effective strategies.
Roam then takes us through several business case studies to illustrate the power of visual thinking. He shows us how companies like Google, Starbucks, and Southwest Airlines have used visual thinking to develop new products, improve processes, and communicate more effectively with their customers and employees. He also explains how visual thinking can be used in marketing, sales, and presentations to create more compelling and persuasive messages.
Visual Thinking in Everyday Life
In the final part of the book, Roam explores the application of visual thinking in everyday life. He explains that visual thinking can be used to solve a wide range of personal and professional problems, from planning a vacation to designing a new product. He also provides us with practical tips and techniques for improving our visual thinking skills.
In conclusion, The Back of the Napkin by Dan Roam is a fascinating exploration of the power of visual thinking. Roam shows us that everyone can draw, and that drawing is a powerful tool for communication and problem-solving. He illustrates the power of visual thinking with numerous real-world examples and provides us with practical tips and techniques for improving our visual thinking skills. Whether you're a business professional, a student, or just someone looking to improve your problem-solving skills, this book is sure to inspire you to pick up a pen and start drawing.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Back of the Napkin about?
The Back of the Napkin by Dan Roam is a thought-provoking book that explores the power of visual thinking. Through engaging stories and practical examples, Roam demonstrates how simple drawings on a napkin can help solve complex problems and communicate ideas effectively. Whether you're a business professional, educator, or simply curious about the way our brains work, this book will change the way you approach visual communication.
The Back of the Napkin Review
The Back of the Napkin (2008) is a thought-provoking book that shows the power of visual thinking in solving complex problems. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its simple yet effective approach, it teaches readers how to use visual techniques to clarify ideas and communicate effectively.
- Through real-life examples and case studies, the book demonstrates how visual thinking can bring clarity and creativity to any field.
- Its engaging storytelling and practical exercises make the book both informative and enjoyable, ensuring that it never becomes boring.
Who should read The Back of the Napkin?
- Professionals seeking creative problem-solving techniques
- Students looking to improve their visual thinking skills
- Business leaders who want to effectively communicate their ideas
Categories with The Back of the Napkin
Book summaries like The Back of the Napkin
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Back of the Napkin FAQs
What is the main message of The Back of the Napkin?
The main message of The Back of the Napkin is the power of visual thinking and how it can solve complex problems effectively.
How long does it take to read The Back of the Napkin?
Reading time for The Back of the Napkin varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Back of the Napkin a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Back of the Napkin is a worthwhile read for those interested in developing their visual thinking skills. It provides practical techniques and real-world examples.
Who is the author of The Back of the Napkin?
Dan Roam is the author of The Back of the Napkin.
What to read after The Back of the Napkin?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Back of the Napkin, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Coaching for Performance by Sir John Whitmore
- Influence by Robert B. Cialdini
- The Pyramid Principle by Barbara Minto
- Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
- The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs by Carmine Gallo
- Selling the Invisible by Harry Beckwith
- You Can Negotiate Anything by Herb Cohen
- Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi
- Pitch Anything by Oren Klaff
- Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher, William Ury & Bruce Patton