Visual-spatial intelligence

What is visual-spatial intelligence?

In this article, visual-spatial intelligence as one of Gardner`s original multiple intelligences, is going to be examined.

Anything more than two dimensions includes this intelligence. Visual-spatial intelligence, refers to a person`s ability to analyze images, patterns and create or rearrange objects in three dimensions.

Those with high visual-spatial intelligence are strong in visualizing objects. These people usually have a good navigation and they may be drawn in working maps, charts, photos and video images. 

Skills of people with high visual–spatial intelligence

 Making puzzles, reading, writing, perceiving diagrams and shapes, drawing, painting, making metaphors and visual allegories, manipulating images, building blocks, repairing, designing practical tools, analyzing visual images and navigation are some examples of skills of these people.

Characteristics of high visual-spatial learners

People with this type of ability: 

• Read and write for enjoyment
• Are good at puzzling together
• Interpret pictures, graphs, and charts well
• Enjoy drawing, painting and the visual arts
• Recognizing patterns easily

Potential career choices

If you are strong in visual-spatial intelligence, good career choices for you are like:

• Architect
• Artist
• Pilot
• Painter
• Engineer
• Inventor
• Graphic designer
• Surgeon
• Designer
• Poet
• Sculptor

Potential features of visual–spatial intelligence

The benefits of visual–spatial intelligence, include identifying and constructing large-scale designs such as guides and maps, as well as smaller patterns such as designs for sculptors, surgeons, chess players, graphic artist and more.

Characteristics of people with high visual intelligence

People who are strong in this intelligence are imaginative and have manipulative skills.

They are incredibly talented and they have a very good visual memory. These people usually have high leadership power.

They may be dreamers or interested in painting, solving puzzles and maze in their free time.

Comparison between visual intelligence and mathematical intelligence

Some critics claim that there is a high correlation between space abilities and mathematical abilities. In fact, with these arguments, these critics seek to reject the separation of two intelligences.

A full understanding of these two intelligences prevents such criticism. Although this intelligence does not fully match the mathematical and visual abilities, two intelligences share some characteristics, but they are easily distinguished by different factors.