"External representations are in essence cognitive tools.

Cognitive artifacts (e.g. graphics) are human only. There are no examples of animals using cognitive tools.

A lot of human collaboration goes without words. The dyads in the research produced more abstract instructions than the individuals. However, they also produced less diagrams and more language for the instructions.

Graphics augment cognition. It enables new ideas. Ambiguity helps. When reconfiguration occurs more new ideas were generated. Graphics facilitate collaboration. Externalize common ground."

Link: Barbara Tversky: Some Ways Graphics Communicate

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