This article describes SparkMaps as Hunome's visual tool for representing collective understanding and diverse viewpoints on specific themes or subjects. The platform aims to help groups see the breadth of their collective knowledge, reach shared understanding, and make better decisions based on that understanding. SparkMaps begin with an initial thought or idea that expands through collaborative contributions, covering themes like cultural adjustment, curiosity, AI limitations, future of work, misinformation, demographic shifts, universal basic income, and EU energy policy. The article outlines methods for using online meetings to build SparkMaps collectively, including starting with personal stories, reflecting on contributions, identifying knowledge gaps, and scheduling follow-up sessions for continued development. It mentions positive feedback from organizations like Systems Change Finland and Friends of Curiosity regarding the tool's effectiveness for discovering new connections and insights.

This article examines how polarization and information disparity have created a "black or white world" lacking nuance in public discourse, using examples like the US presidential race and Black Lives Matter movement. The piece attributes this polarization partly to social media advertising models that create echo chambers by showing users content similar to what they've previously engaged with, designed to benefit advertisers rather than promote diverse thinking. The author argues that this segmentation hinders problem-solving for complex "wicked problems" like educational access inequality, which require systems thinking and multiple perspectives to address effectively. The article also identifies information silos as a barrier, noting that comprehensive understanding requires time and resources to gather fragmented information from various sources, creating disparities between those who can access broad perspectives and those who cannot. The piece advocates for embracing diverse viewpoints and bringing people together around complex issues rather than treating differences as divisive badges.