In Look: A Practical Guide for Improving Your Observational Skills, Jim Gilmore provides and then examines what he characterizes as six “looking glasses” to help people to more fully and more richly observe the world around them.

The sixth is Blindfold. Briefly, “Blindfold looking is ‘looking at looking.’  In this regard, it fundamentally differs from the other five looking glasses. This may seem counterintuitive — and it is! But therein resides its usefulness. Having employed the other ways of looking, blindfold looking reflects upon and recalls what was seen (or not seen) and how it was seen (or not). It serves two both summon what has already been noticed and to direct further looking based on how and why something was missed or mistaken in the [given] scene.”

Exempla:

o “Let’s reflect on what we’ve seen and pick out our favorite features.”

o “What do you recall most about what you’ve observed?”

o “Consider all that has happened and look for just the few things that matter most.”

o “Stop searching any further and look back at what stands out so far.

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James Gilmore is co-founder of Strategic Horizons LLP and co-author of The Experience Economy: Work Is Theatre & Every Business a Stage, now published in 13 languages. He is also co-editor of Markets of One: Creating Customer-unique Value through Mass Customization, and Authenticity: What Consumers Really Want. Prior to founding Strategic Horizons LLP, Gilmore was head of CSC Consulting’s Process Innovation practice. His latest book, Look: A Practical Guide for Improving Your Observational Skills, was published by Greenleaf Book Group (August 2016).