A pattern language on how to apply visual instrument PRISM
Stefan Holtel · 2013
PRISM is a visual instrument that improves a person's cognitive reasoning by facilitating the process of thinking. Its origins stem from efforts and experiences of psychotherapeutics in the early 1990s. Meanwhile the PRISM methodology - an acronym for «Pictorial Representation of Selfness III-Measure» - has spread wider to such domains as coaching processes, participant feedback and project management. This paper outlines a pattern language that should help PRISM facilitators to realize specific PRISM features when adapting this instrument to their dedicated domains. Research has shown strong effectivity and efficacy of using PRISM. Its modus operandi is based on a number of theoretical concepts like the relationship between humans and tools, the presentation of thoughts in a brain as mental models, and the power of visual metaphors. The author aims to extract and outline some patterns that seem to be key drivers to achieve most benefit from PRISM and will hopefully lower the threshold for those who want successfully leverage this methodology for their own purposes.