Innovative thinking doesn’t just reside in textbooks and lecture halls; it’s often born from a deep understanding of the world as it is and the vision to imagine what it could be. At Fremont Automation, this belief, inspired by founder Dave Benes, has been at the core of our journey.
Temple Grandin, a renowned animal behaviorist and advocate for autism awareness, recently visited Fremont Automation to share her insights on visual thinking and its impact on industrial engineering. Grandin, who is a professor at Colorado State University and the author of Visual Thinking, has revolutionized the understanding of how visual thinkers can contribute to various fields. During her visit, she talked with the team and discussed how visual thinkers can drive innovation in automation technologies. Her visit underscored the importance of diverse cognitive perspectives in solving complex engineering challenges.
We recognize that the future of industrial engineering isn’t limited to those who excel in traditional academic settings. There is a world of visual thinkers whose unique perspectives and abilities are critical to shaping the next generation of automation solutions.
The Power of Visual Thinkers
Temple Grandin’s book Visual Thinking explores how individuals who process information visually can offer groundbreaking solutions in fields that traditionally rely on linear, verbal reasoning. These visual thinkers often struggle in conventional educational environments that prioritize abstract theory over practical application. Yet, they possess the potential to revolutionize industries like industrial engineering, where the ability to visualize systems and processes is paramount.
Visual thinkers have a unique way of processing information. They often think in pictures rather than words, which allows them to understand how different components fit together. This ability is particularly valuable in engineering, where the design and optimization of complex systems are crucial. For example, a visual thinker might be able to see how a change in one part of a manufacturing process could impact the entire system, something that might be missed by someone who thinks in a more linear, verbal way.
Temple Grandin emphasizes this in her book, stating, “Visual thinkers…see images in their mind’s eye that allow them to make rapid-fire associations. Generally, visual thinkers like maps, art, and mazes, and often don’t need directions at all.”
At Fremont Automation, we see the value in this perspective. Our solutions are born from a blend of practical experience and the ability to envision how components work together in the real world. Visual thinkers, like those described by Grandin, have the ability to see the intricate connections and relationships within complex systems—an ability that is crucial to designing the automation technologies that will drive the future.
For instance, consider the design of a new automated assembly line. A visual thinker can mentally simulate the entire process, identifying potential bottlenecks and inefficiencies before any physical prototype is built. This foresight can save significant time and resources, leading to more efficient and effective solutions. Moreover, visual thinkers can often spot opportunities for innovation that others might miss, such as new ways to integrate emerging technologies or optimize existing processes.
In addition to their technical skills, visual thinkers bring a fresh perspective to problem-solving. They are often able to approach challenges from angles that traditional thinkers might not consider. This can lead to creative solutions that push the boundaries of what is possible. By leveraging the strengths of visual thinkers, companies like Fremont Automation can stay at the forefront of innovation, continually developing cutting-edge automation technologies that meet the evolving needs of their clients.
Fremont Automation and Homegrown Innovation:
When Dave Benes founded Fremont Automation, he didn’t rely solely on formal education or traditional engineering pathways. Instead, he drew from his practical experience growing up on the farm and his innate ability to visualize solutions to problems. This approach which we call Homegrown Innovation has shaped Fremont Automation into a company that not only understands the needs of its clients but also sees opportunities where others might see obstacles.
Dave Benes’s story is a testament to the power of practical experience and visual thinking. Growing up, Dave was always more interested in how things worked than in academic theory. He spent countless hours tinkering with machines, taking them apart and putting them back together to understand their inner workings. This hands-on approach gave him a deep understanding of mechanical systems and an ability to visualize solutions that others might overlook.
When Dave founded Fremont Automation, he brought this practical mindset to the forefront. One of his early projects involved redesigning a conveyor system for a food processing plant. The existing system was prone to frequent jams and required constant maintenance. Dave’s ability to visualize the entire system allowed him to identify the root cause of the problem and design a solution that not only eliminated the jams but also increased the system’s overall efficiency. This kind of innovative thinking is what sets Fremont Automation apart and underscores the importance of visual thinkers in industrial engineering.
Dave’s approach to problem-solving is rooted in his ability to see the big picture. He doesn’t just focus on individual components; he looks at how they interact within the larger system. This holistic view allows him to design solutions that are not only effective but also efficient and sustainable. For example, in another project, Dave was tasked with improving the efficiency of a packaging line. By visualizing the entire process, he was able to identify several areas where small changes could lead to significant improvements in overall efficiency. This ability to see the forest for the trees is a hallmark of visual thinkers and a key reason why they are so valuable in industrial engineering.
Dave’s story highlights the importance of valuing diverse perspectives in the workplace. By creating an environment where visual thinkers can thrive, Fremont Automation has been able to leverage their unique skills to drive innovation. This inclusive approach not only benefits the company but also leads to better outcomes for clients, who receive solutions that are tailored to their specific needs.
Visual Thinkers Are The Future of Industrial Engineering
As we look to the future, the role of visual thinkers in industrial engineering becomes even more critical. Automation and industrial engineering are fields that require not just technical knowledge, but the ability to see how machines, processes, and systems will interact. Visual thinkers have a natural aptitude for this, and their contributions will be essential as we develop the automation solutions that will power the world.
The future of industrial engineering isn’t just about machines—it’s about the people who design them. We need to cultivate and empower those who see the world differently and can visualize solutions that others might overlook. Fremont Automation is committed to fostering this kind of innovation, recognizing that the next great leap in industrial automation will come from those who think outside the box.
One area where visual thinkers can make a significant impact is in the design of user interfaces for automation systems. Traditional user interfaces often rely heavily on text and can be difficult for operators to use, especially in high-pressure situations. Visual thinkers can design interfaces that are more intuitive and easier to use, reducing the likelihood of errors and increasing overall efficiency.
Another area is in the development of new automation technologies. Visual thinkers can see how different technologies can be combined in innovative ways to create new solutions. For example, they might see how a new type of sensor could be integrated into an existing system to improve its performance or how a new software algorithm could optimize a manufacturing process.
We Want People Who See Things Differently
Dave Benes’s story and Temple Grandin’s insights on visual thinking remind us that innovation often comes from unexpected places. The future of industrial engineering will be shaped by those who see the world through a different lens—those who may not have followed the traditional path, but whose ability to visualize and understand complex systems is exactly what’s needed.
By embracing the talents of visual thinkers, we can create a more inclusive and innovative field of industrial engineering. At Fremont Automation, we are committed to fostering this kind of innovation and empowering visual thinkers to shape the world of automation. If you’re a visual thinker who is looking for a chance to build the future, please apply to join our team. We’re always on the lookout.