How much Visualization is too much?

As an Instructional Designer, we (IDs) strive to bring words to life, literally. While developing eLearning storyboards, an important part is the content visualization. Usually, we meet the graphic guys (who create magic) and come up with a list of items that could be considered to depict the content.

When should you visualize?

Personally, I try to give life to the content as soon as I get my hands on the raw content. Even during the initial kick off calls, I tend to imagine the various ways in which I could liven it up. But, hey, aren't we supposed to use ID models and then develop relevant strategies relevant to the content? Yes, of course, we must.

I have found that drawing mind maps works wonders. I naturally think via imagery and feel happy when I can 'see' something written or drawn. To answer my question, I think vizn. as a process must be like a never ending road. You keep seeing content, you keep creating imagery, relevant/irrelevant, chuck the bad ideas later, but let the ideas flow. So, in order to get the best vizn. output, we must have a pool of ideas or brainstorm at least two times and thrash out each and every relevant point.

How much visualization is enough?

My post is about this question: how much is enough?

It is certainly fun to keep creating all these ideas, we can drink umpteen cups of coffees, but does the end result invoke a 'Wow'? If no, you have a long way to go. Even when the idea is on the white board and needs to be retouched thousand times, you will start getting a 'feel' for the end output. Experienced GDs have often mentioned getting this intuitive feel about a particular design or a concept. So, how do we know when to stop? Or should we start with a timer? Maybe. Or we could even have a cap on the number of ideas that we can thrash around.

As we keep repeating to ourselves, like a mantra, 'Stop only till you are awed'.

Please do share your thoughts on visualizing that perfect storyboard!