By One of Gardner’s multiple intelligences is spatial vision, which refers to seeing, interacting with and understanding space. It can be developed from playing chess to reading a map. We’ll tell you more.
Within the broad field of psychology, one of its most fascinating aspects is the variety of cognitive abilities that each individual possesses. Among these, visual-spatial intelligence is of great importance, because it widely influences how we perceive and relate to the world around us.
Cultivating this ability not only improves the ability to solve complex problems from a visual perspective, but also fosters creativity and innovation in various fields. In addition, it allows us to better adapt to changing environments and develop skills that are highly valued in today’s job market. Let’s delve deeper into this concept.
What is visual-spatial intelligence?
According to Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences , there are different ways of being intelligent and all human beings have diverse and unique abilities that can be appreciated in many ways.
Gardner identified eight types of intelligence: linguistic, logical-mathematical , musical, bodily-kinesthetic, naturalistic, interpersonal, intrapersonal and visual-spatial. Each of these represents a different way of understanding the world, solving problems and communicating.
Spatial vision is characterized by the ability to perceive and manipulate shapes and objects in space, as well as the ability to create clear and precise visual mental representations. This is key in professions where visualizing and working with spatial elements is essential. For example:
- Chess players and strategists: These are people who visualize multiple moves and strategies in their minds before executing them.
- Surgeons and dentists: These are specialists who require visual precision to perform detailed and delicate surgical procedures.
- Navigators and pilots: They rely on their exceptional skills to navigate in space, interpret maps and plan routes efficiently.
- Artists and designers: painters, sculptors and others who use their skills to create works that require a deep understanding of shapes and colors.
- Architects and engineers: These professionals have to view and design complex structures, plan spaces, and resolve issues of plans, sketches, and construction with meticulous care.
Activities to develop visual-spatial intelligence
In addition to knowing the skills that stand out in those who have this type of intelligence, it is important to know that by applying it in daily life you can develop it, since there are activities that improve visual dexterity as we grow.
For example, if you are traveling, when packing, maximize the space in your suitcase by better arranging what you will take. And in the kitchen, follow complex recipes that require good management of proportions and organization of ingredients.
You also develop spatial vision by calculating distances and manoeuvring accurately to park in tight spaces. It is also useful to interpret the GPS. It also favours the practice of sports that require coordination and an optimal perception of space, such as basketball, golf or football. Take note of more alternatives.
1. Solve visual games
Three-dimensional puzzles such as the Rubik’s cube or games that require spatial manipulation, such as the tangram, help with visualization and understanding of relationships between shapes and figures.
These stimulate the mind to think in three dimensions and develop strategies that solve complex geometric problems.
According to research published in the International Online Journal of Educational Sciences , children who play a lot of puzzles and visual games develop more advanced spatial thinking skills. For example, finding patterns, discovering symmetries, identifying, matching, combining and separating shapes, etc.
2. Build and design
Building blocks such as Lego or 3D modeling systems help to build diverse structures and shapes, encouraging creativity , spatial planning, and the representation of objects from different perspectives. These activities strengthen imagination and the execution of difficult designs.
3. Strategy games
Playing chess or participating in online strategy games encourages anticipating moves and planning tactics in a two-dimensional area. These games improve decision making based on visual perception, and reinforce strategic thinking in competitive environments.
4. Create art
Exploring drawing, painting and photography techniques helps develop perception of shapes, colours and visual compositions. The effect of art on the brain ranges from stimulating creativity to improving the ability to accurately represent objects and scenes. This promotes a deeper understanding of space and proportions.
5. Learn to orient yourself
Navigating through online maps, planning routes, and using compasses benefits spatial orientation and the understanding and manipulation of geographic information. These skills are essential for exploration in physical and digital environments, facilitating effective route planning and travel.
Pay attention to this fact! Although men generally tend to have a more developed visual-spatial intelligence, women tend to have a better memory for spatial locations. This makes them more accurate when remembering the exact location of objects or events.
Famous people with great spatial intelligence
Throughout history, people with this kind of intellect have been recognized for understanding and working with visual and spatial information efficiently and effectively. Here are some people and areas in which they stood out.
Visual arts
Iconic artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dalí and Claude Monet are clear examples of how this intelligence manifests itself in the exploration and redefinition of the boundaries of visual perception. They all used their ability to express their identity and emotions.
Technical activities
As we have already mentioned, this reasoning highlights areas that require technical and spatial manipulation skills to design functional structures and systems. Michelangelo, sculptor and architect, exemplifies this; as does Thomas Edison, famous for inventing revolutionary devices such as the electric light bulb, the phonograph and the kinetograph (according to some historians, the latter device anticipated the movie camera).
Add Nikola Tesla, who could visualize complex machinery and inventions in his mind before building them.
Visual memory
A special feature of spatial vision is the ability to easily remember and accurately recognize faces, places, and objects after seeing them only once. Leonardo da Vinci memorized complex visual details, which contributed to his innovations in art, science, and engineering.
For their part, Christopher Columbus and explorer Marco Polo relied on their intellect to interpret and visualize maps and routes on their voyages.
It is never too late to develop this intelligence!
All human beings are born with unique abilities that make us stand out in different areas. And in the case of visual-spatial intelligence, although it seems that many are born with it, it is also possible to cultivate it. Therefore, if you want to improve this skill, it is important to focus on exercises that stimulate it.
Practice the activities we have provided here. With dedication and perseverance, you can apply and strengthen them in multiple aspects of your personal and professional life. Give it a try!