Generating ‘Thinking Environments’ with Prof. Peter Hopkins

Inspired by Nancy Kline’s approach to creating a ‘Thinking Environment’ as told in her book “Time to Think”, Professor Peter Hopkins (Newcastle University) invited me to collaborate on an animation to help visualise what this might look like. How does holding compassionate, respectful space for another’s thinking aloud help empower them towards creative solutions? What would it look like if we imagined our greatest skill as a colleage was our encouraging silence and a patient ear?

To create this animation, I focused on the concept of thought as a dynamic, moving thing – experiencing transformations and blockages but constantly on the move and ready to be shaped and shared. I chose a vibrant colour palette and whirling, swirling lines to indicate thought in transition and the symbol of a glowing diamond to indicate the achievement of a fixed and workable plan.  I kept the characters minimalist and symbolic to keep the focus on the thoughts and the interaction between them.  It was a joyful project to work on!