Visualise to Actualise: 10 Lean Visual Management Hacks for Home & Workplace
Every day, we're bombarded with information, distractions, and countless choices. Amidst this chaos, how can we nurture the habits that align with our true intentions? The answer might be simpler than we think: make it VISUAL. Leveraging the power of sight, one of our strongest senses, can transform our environments into potent reminders of our goals and aspirations. Here, I have applied the Lean visual management tool, giving you 10 innovative visual hacks designed to boost constructive habits, both at home and in the workplace. These methods streamline our daily processes, reduce waste, and foster continuous improvement. Dive in and let the Lean way of sight lead the journey!
Color-Coded Dishes: In a family setting or shared lodging, each member could have a specific color for their dishes. This would allow for easy identification of who hasn’t cleaned up after themselves, encouraging everyone to keep the kitchen clean and tidy.
Kanban Task Boards: In a home or work setting, a visual task board (physical or digital) can be used to track the progress of various tasks. Each task could start in a ‘To Do’ column, move to ‘In Progress’ when someone starts working on it, and finally ‘Done’ when it is completed.
Visual Feedback System: In a workplace or home setting, use a simple visual feedback system, like sticky notes or colour-coded cards, for peers or family members to provide constructive feedback on projects or ideas. This promotes open communication and continuous improvement.
Fridge Organisation: Use clear containers labeled by type of food & place near sell-by date produce or food you want eaten first in front where it is visible & easily accessible. Place a small whiteboard on the fridge or pantry door & note “must eat next” or expiration dates of perishable items. This will encourage you and others to consume & planned use of items before they expire, reducing food waste. You don’t use what you don’t know is there
Document Management: Use different coloured folders or tags for documents in different stages of completion. For example, red for ‘in progress’, yellow for ‘review’, and green for ‘completed’. This can be applied physically or digitally.
7. Meeting Timer: Use a visible timer during meetings to keep track of time spent on each agenda item. This encourages everyone to stay focused and avoid overextending discussions.
Fitness Goal Tracking: Set up a visual progress tracker (e.g., a calendar, whiteboard, or app) for fitness goals, visible to all family members or roommates. This can create a supportive atmosphere, encouraging everyone to work towards their personal fitness goals.
House Cleaning: A chart can be used where each room has a colour or symbol, and a magnet or marker is moved to indicate when it was last cleaned.
Screen Time Monitoring: Place a timer or clock near the television, computer, or gaming console to track screen time. This can help encourage more mindful screen time habits and promote a balance between digital and non-digital activities.
Reward System: Create a visual reward system for achieving personal or shared goals, such as completing chores, meeting deadlines, or maintaining healthy habits. The visual representation of progress and rewards can motivate and encourage positive behaviour.
Remember, the key to lean visual management is to make the status of a system quickly and easily understandable to anyone who looks at it. This helps ensure everyone is on the same page and can contribute to maintaining the system. The visibility serves as a reminder and motivator, encouraging individuals to adopt the desired behavior.