molly.com
Saturday 29 September 2007
Designers, Techies and Split-Brain Theory
When you dive in for your morning swim, climb the stairs to wake your child, or walk to the corner store for a cold drink on a hot day, your body is responding to complex commands and impulses to get these tasks done. The human brain oversees these day-to-day activities; most of the time, we don’t think about how complex the process is. A great example is driving as the process becomes rote. We don’t think about it overtly, but the truth is, our brains perform complex biochemical and behavioral procedures involving learning, information processing, and memory to accomplish even the most seemingly mundane tasks.
Web designers and developers are challenged in a way that very few learners and thinkers are challenged. Not only is the complexity of the subjects that we study a concern, but the rate at which we must absorb that information and put it into practice seems unprecedented. We also have to manage the doing as well as the thinking: the hands-on creation of technology and design for web sites. All of these acts demand knowledge that is both broad and deep, and we must access that knowledge as quickly and as painlessly as going to the corner store for that cold beer.
As we seek to become more effective web designers and developers, our brains similarly must manage the complex process of learning, processing information, and rapidly storing that information into memory.
I’m of the mind-set that we can all become better at what we do by first giving ourselves credit for the interest in and fascination with a field whose very essence demands that its professionals think technologically and artistically. Then, to grow in our work, we must identify our strengths, be honest regarding our weaknesses, and push ourselves to find ways to improve our skills to achieve innovation.
Information Processing and Human Learning
Integration is necessary for the web designer and developer. This perspective arises out of the idea that most of our work is split between logic and creativity. That we must be logical and creative at the same time within any facet of our job reflects this split, and it is from this split that the idea of integration comes about.
But where did the idea of this split originate? A field of study known as learning theory focuses on this very issue. The specific theory of greatest interest to this discussion is referred to as split brain. In split-brain theory, the pervasive belief is that the left and right hemispheres of the brain are each responsible for distinct types of information processing.
For more than 40 years, a psychobiologist named Roger Sperry studied the brain’s physical functions. He found that the left side of the brain is typically more dominant, and is involved in reason and language. The right hemisphere has instead a nonverbal focus. According to this theory, it is responsible for such expressions as art, music, and other creative processes.
While split-brain theory is somewhat dated as a scientific concept, it is a very common metaphor that people use to describe themselves. Because of its common use, I use the metaphor here to help clarify the essence of the communication: That most people are not integrated in their thinking and as such require more information on how to achieve a more holistic viewpoint.
Roger Sperry received a Nobel Prize in 1981 for his studies, and his work is credited with having opened up new pathways of exploration in both psychology and biology.
Perhaps the most intriguing part of split-brain theory is that, despite the theory’s basis that certain activities are managed by independent sides of the brain, people ultimately rely on both sides. Our mental process somehow, somewhere integrates.
Most people do have specific strengths in the way they think. Some people are very adept at using their whole brain. Others have a more overt dominant hemisphere.
“Unlike other aspects of cognitive function, emotions have never been readily confinable to one hemisphere - emotional effects tend to spread rapidly to involve both hemispheres.” -Roger Sperry in his Nobel Lecture, 1981
Sperry points to the emotions as involving both hemispheres. It’s possible to take Sperry’s perspective and suggest that integration appears boldly at the emotional level. To create something new, to innovate, can be seen as some combination of left-brain logic and right-brain creativity. Add emotion, which is necessary to promote new ideas, and it’s possible to suggest that mental integration is the precursor to innovation.
Of course, without the ability to express an idea in some articulate way, that idea cannot come to fruition. In order to go from integration to innovation to the expression of that innovation, we must have the skills and encouragement necessary to get there. True innovation involves a range of abilities, and communication becomes an essential factor when bringing ideas to light.
Filed under: web design and development, society, creativity, innovation
Posted by: Molly | 4:18 pm |
September 29th, 2007 at 7:44 pm
That was a pretty deep article, I like it though. Gives me some philosophy for my day-to-day life.
September 29th, 2007 at 9:35 pm
I watched a BBC documentary recently that showed a man who, to relieve severe epilepsy, had the connection between the two halves of his brain severed. He’s been a favorite test patient for theories like this ever since.
They put him in front of a computer screen and flashed words on either the left side (processed by the right brain) or the right (processed by the left). When a word was flashed on the right, he could say what it was. When it was flashed on the left, he couldn’t name the word, but could draw a picture of the object the word named, and then look at the picture and tell you what the word had been.
So there’s some credence to the split-brain theory, but the most fascinating thing to me was that this man with the unusually split brain was able to function almost normally, carry on conversations, and so on. He was mostly unaware that his brain was even different. So there’s a ton of redundancy between the two halves, apparently.
September 30th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
Molly,
Two things. First, long time no hear, great to see you post again!
Secondly, interesting that you should post this now as my wife and I were just discussing something similar on the drive home from the in-laws today. We were actually talking about my possibly starting up my own little web shop doing accessibility consulting and training on web standards and such. Part of the conversation revolved around a person’s need to create and innovate or become stagnant.
You given me some food for thought here on the whole creation / innovation front. You never fail to surprise me with an out of the blue post like this one that at the same time is so thought provoking. Thanks.
October 1st, 2007 at 2:16 am
A lot of people seem to think that coders in particular are boring, left-brain automatons. It’s a misconception which is particularly annoying to those coders who are creative thinkers and use creativity as a key part of their problem-solving abilities on a daily basis.
However, a lot of coders do fall down on the communication bit so I can see where it can be a problem
People also seem surprised when geeks come up as creative thinkers in personality tests. As though somehow geeks are “different” and there won’t be a spread of results like any other group.
October 2nd, 2007 at 5:35 am
Wow! I think I have to re-read this a couple of times (with both sides of my brain).
I do agree that in order to get things done you need on the one hand “hard and dry” knowledge, facts and on the other hand you need creativity to mix the ingredients to come to a solution.
The creativity makes you wander off of trodden paths and sometimes you end up in a swamp and have te retrace your steps but now and then you find a whole new little paradise.
Staying on the well known paths is easy, but you never really learn anything new. Be creative, be foolish now and then and turn left or right where you have never done so before. It’s the only way to find that beautiful panorama.
Great post, Molly.
October 2nd, 2007 at 9:14 am
Frankly, I think this explains perfectly why people who are passionate about their work are also better at it. If it takes a combined effort of the logical and creative to achieve success, then the emotional investment of a passionate designer helps to form diplomatic connections between the two hemispheres, and results in just plain better work.
October 2nd, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Been Meaning to Publish the W List, So Here It Is
Been meaning to post The W List of women bloggers, inspired by the AdAge Power 150 list. Here it is, and I’m proud to be included. A day in an astrologer’s life by Jacqueline BigarA Girl Must Shop by Megan Garnhum A Little Pregnant by Julie A Luminou…
October 2nd, 2007 at 10:57 pm
Great article, Molly. While I am familiar with the theory, I had never heard the emotional aspect of it before. Very interesting indeed, and I agree with Andrew. I think that this is one reason why people who are passionate about their work are generally more innovative.
October 3rd, 2007 at 11:28 pm
[…] molly.com » Designers, Techies and Split-Brain Theory […]
October 4th, 2007 at 11:00 am
Molly’s Big Brain
Molly E. Holzschlag is a well-known Web standards advocate, instructor, and author. Here she is contemplateing the massive brain power needed to operate in information-rich environments like the intertubes: Web designers and developers are challenged i…
October 6th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
“somewhat dated as a scientific concept” what is the latest stuff?
I’ve noticed Project Management brings out these issues big time! Not sure if someone is left/right/whole brained? Work on a big project with them. You find out quick.
October 8th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
Good to read your thoughts again. At the heart of your post is the question of how we as professionals approach the acquisition, organization, creation, and expression of new ideas. How as virtual designers we mix the voices and make connections between expertise and competencies to deliver shared visions and social software to wider and wider communities (we as women have been doing this for centuries it’s in our genetic code). It’s ALWAYS been more about the ability to communicate and less and less about the tools of delivery. For me the big difference is not the process of innovation but ACCESS to the conversations of those innovative voices. Thanks and enjoy Boston.
October 8th, 2007 at 5:09 pm
Interesting stuff, but why is Molly recycling old writings (from 2002)? - see http://wdvl.com/Authoring/Design/IntegratedWeb/infoProcessing.html
October 8th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
Hey Frank,
Just waiting to see if anyone actually is paying attention
Seriously, because the issue is as important today as it ever was, and that book is, in my opinion, filled with yummy goodies like this that most people have missed because it’s no longer on the shelves. That’s the way it rolls in computer book publishing! So I’m taking the interesting stuff, breaking it down, and posting it here now and again to provide quality content that remains relevant but didn’t get the distribution or exposure to these more compelling ideas.
What’s bothered me lately is how many folks new or somewhat new to Web design and development are not only being done a disservice because of such disparate and incomplete education, but also because there’s no foundation of thought, principles and philosophies to put some meat behind the actual skills. This type of information will help strengthen those folks. Or so I hope.
-M
October 9th, 2007 at 11:38 am
Heya Molly,
Long time no chat. Thanks for this great post. I totally agree with you. The book is still on my shelf.
…maybe I’ll go read it again. It is yummy indeed!
October 12th, 2007 at 1:57 am
The web being essentially a communication medium requires us to be effective communicators regardless of what design role we play, I’d expect. I read an article recently describing the design continuum with two points marked - the first for the level of knowledge the user has, the second for the level they are required to have to use the interface.
Good design is about either achieving no knowledge gap at all or bridging that gap in such a way that the user isn’t aware that gap exists and they can still use the site effectively.
Not quite the same track as your post but a little relevant
October 22nd, 2007 at 3:52 pm
oldies but goldies…
October 24th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
A lot of people seem to think that coders in particular are boring, left-brain automatons. It’s a misconception which is particularly annoying to those coders who are creative thinkers and use creativity as a key part of their problem-solving abilities on a daily basis.
October 24th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
Been meaning to post The W List of women bloggers, inspired by the AdAge Power 150 list. Here it is, and I’m proud to be included. A day in an astrologer’s life by Jacqueline BigarA Girl Must Shop by Megan Garnhum A Little Pregnant by Julie A Luminou…
November 3rd, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Thanks for very interesting article. btw. I really enjoyed reading all of your posts. It’s interesting to read ideas, and observations from someone else’s point of view… makes you think more. It’s really good written and I fully agree with You on main issue, btw. I must say that I really enjoyed reading all of Your posts. It’s interesting to read ideas, and observations from someone else’s point of view…
November 9th, 2007 at 6:46 am
Very interesting article.
November 10th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
I think these blog is really useful for new comers and Excellent resource list.
It´s a very interesting Blog and simple answer of many questions.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks it helps me a lot…
December 9th, 2007 at 5:36 pm
[…] I found a great article today from Molly Holzschlag about split brain theory and the day-to-day lives of web designers. I found another gem at David Airey’s blog about following logo design trends. He asks his readers whether they follow any trends in logo design. I of course believe it is impossible to ignore any design trends. […]
December 12th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
resim,forum,resimler
December 17th, 2007 at 2:45 am
thank u vedy mooch!
December 17th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
left-brain automatons LOL
December 22nd, 2007 at 1:47 pm
Merry Christmas and Happy new Year
Liu Jo
January 4th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
forum thanks
January 27th, 2008 at 5:34 am
You given me some food for thought here on the whole creation / innovation front. You never fail to surprise me with an out of the blue post like this one that at the same time is so thought provoking. Thanks.
January 31st, 2008 at 4:05 am
very nice
January 31st, 2008 at 4:05 am
good nice
January 31st, 2008 at 4:06 am
very nice molly
February 5th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
well done says markisen, markise from mm-markisen.de
February 15th, 2008 at 4:15 am
PS: in the left cerebellar hemisphere structures are formed and in the right visual thinking. Languages are networked. Greetings from Schwimmer Füllstandsmessung!
February 16th, 2008 at 3:13 am
i have see much blog but this i very interesting for all notici wath you are whrite
February 16th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
thanks
February 26th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Very interesting topic. I think you are not just a webmaster but also like to read book related to human being.
March 19th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Interesting article… I just found it on google… Greetings form germany… susi
March 19th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
think these blog is really useful for new comers and Excellent resource list
March 30th, 2008 at 10:00 am
thanks
April 7th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Great article, Molly. While I am familiar with the theory, I had never heard the emotional aspect of it before. Very interesting indeed, and I agree with Andrew. I think that this is one reason why people who are passionate about their work are generally more innovative.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
I already know that, but it`s nice.
May 5th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
thanks molly!
May 6th, 2008 at 4:13 am
nice job, thx molly.
May 10th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
I really think you are a great writer.
May 10th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Though the topic is so basic but the way you have presented it makes it very interesting.
June 8th, 2008 at 1:02 am
THANKS
June 8th, 2008 at 1:03 am
THANK YOU
June 22nd, 2008 at 5:12 am
thanks