Color, Symbol, Image
Color, Symbol, Image (CSI) is a thinking routine from Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in which each participant sums up what matters in a piece of content by choosing a colour, a symbol and an image. Each of the three stands for one idea the person found important, and the choices are then explained to others. Because the first step is non-verbal, it gets people to the essence without long summaries.
Facilitation script
- 1
Introduce the routine, hand out the sheets and ask people to jot down three ideas from the input that matter to them.
4 min - 2
Colour: choose a colour for the first idea and fill the box.
3 min - 3
Symbol: draw a simple sign for the second idea.
4 min - 4
Image: sketch a small scene for the third idea.
4 min - 5
Share in pairs or small groups. Each person explains the three choices and the reason for each.
8 min - 6
Plenary: ask which ideas appeared in several sheets and what surprised people in a partner's choices.
5 min
Tips
Explain the difference between a symbol and an image with one quick example, or people will draw the same thing twice.
Say early that drawing skill is irrelevant and keep the time for each choice short, around three to four minutes, so people go with a first instinct.
The value is in the reasons, so protect the sharing time.
Common pitfalls
Skipping the explanation because the drawings look self-explanatory. Without the reasoning, the routine is a colouring exercise and no thinking becomes visible
Not distinguishing symbol from image, so participants produce two similar drawings and lose one of the three ideas
Giving too much drawing time. People start polishing, feel judged on skill and the reflective part gets squeezed
Asking for a colour, symbol and image for 'the workshop' as a whole. The answers turn into mood ratings instead of ideas from the content
Variations
Online, participants pick a colour swatch, an icon and a photo on a shared board, which also helps people who dislike drawing. For a fast close, use only one of the three, for example a colour for the day. In larger groups, post all sheets on a wall and run a short gallery walk before the debrief. The routine can also be applied to one idea viewed three ways instead of three separate ideas.
Where it fits
When to use it
The group has just taken in dense content and needs to decide what was essential before discussing it
Verbal summaries in this group tend to be long and repeat the input
Participants work in a second language and a visual first step lowers the barrier
You want a reflective close that produces something to hang on the wall
Quieter participants need thinking time before they speak
When not to use it
You need actions and owners at the end. Use What, So What, Now What? instead
The content was simple or short, so there is little to distil. A one-line Headlines round is enough
The group needs to raise open questions about the input. Connect, Extend, Challenge collects those directly
There are under 15 minutes. Three choices plus sharing do not fit, so run a one-word check-out
Related methods
Frequently asked questions
What is Color, Symbol, Image?▾
Color, Symbol, Image is a short reflection routine developed at Project Zero, Harvard Graduate School of Education. After taking in some content, each person chooses a colour, a symbol and an image, each representing one idea they found important, and explains the choices to others. It is used to distil the essence of an input without relying on words first.
What is the difference between the symbol and the image?▾
A symbol is an abstract sign that stands for an idea, like a bridge icon for connection. An image is a small picture or scene that shows the idea, like two people shaking hands across a table. Giving one example of each before the group starts prevents most confusion.
How long does the CSI routine take?▾
Between 15 and 30 minutes. The three choices need three to four minutes each, and sharing in pairs or small groups takes another eight to ten. The source page gives no fixed timing, so adjust to the weight of the content.
Does it work with adults in a business setting?▾
Yes. The routine was developed for classrooms, but it works in any setting where people need to boil down an input, such as after a strategy presentation or a customer visit. Frame it as a way to find the core idea and state clearly that drawing quality does not matter.
Can Color, Symbol, Image be done remotely?▾
Yes. On a shared online board participants can fill a shape with a colour, pick an icon and add a photo or quick sketch. Use breakout rooms of three for the explanations, then bring a few examples back to the full group.
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Try it freeMethod descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices. This method was inspired by work from Project Zero, Harvard Graduate School of Education.