Academic organisations are complex systems. Universities, colleges, and research institutions operate with multiple stakeholder groups, diverse strategic priorities, and governance structures that demand clarity and accountability. At the same time, the sector continues to navigate transformative shifts: digital learning, financial pressures, partnerships with industry, and heightened expectations around culture, wellbeing, and equity.

To thrive in this environment, institutions must communicate strategy with precision, align teams behind shared goals, and enable collaboration across disciplines and departments. Inky Thinking supports academic organisations and professionals to do just that - using visual thinking to strengthen organisational effectiveness from the inside out.

At Inky Thinking we have extensive experience of creating visual assets for academic clients and environments, including:

·      Capturing a series of strategy workshops on topics including sustainability, social mobility and the concept of place for academic leaders, in preparation for the formation of a leading university’s new four-year strategy.

·      Facilitating a leadership workshop to map out the impact of the HR function on research leaders and their teams in a world-renowned research institute.

·      Facilitating and capturing an all-staff conference for a leading London university – in two separate venues simultaneously!

·      Capturing a series of focus groups for research staff on the topic of psychological safety and creating a visual library of icons to be used across different mediums.

·      Creating a series of illustrations to promote mental and physical wellbeing services across multiple campuses for academic staff and students.

·      Visualising different roles within the neurodiversity pathway for a combined NHS and academic event.

The potential to combine stellar knowledge with outstanding visuals is compelling. Are you a visual thinker within an academic organisation? Maybe you recognise yourself in the illustration? The Inky Thinkers are ready to collaborate with you. E-mail hello@inkythinking.com or call +44 (0)333 567 2121.

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