I wonder to what extent people choose their fields/topics based on their visual imagination capacity. It seems possible that there are some fields that depend much more on a facility for algebra than for geometric intuitions. I’m studying biology, where the three-dimensional structure of molecules is of fundamental importance.
When I’ve first learned about the phenomenon, I’ve seen discussions by professional artists, designers, architects, animators and the likes, that managed to work in these areas despite their aphantasia. It’s been a while and I m not able to find the links, and it was not formal study to begin with, but it’s so counterintuitive that I wanted to share anyways.
I wonder to what extent people choose their fields/topics based on their visual imagination capacity. It seems possible that there are some fields that depend much more on a facility for algebra than for geometric intuitions. I’m studying biology, where the three-dimensional structure of molecules is of fundamental importance.
A mechanic engineer once told me that anyone wanting to be one should be able to visualize in 3-D or they will struggle.
Seems to fit with your view—and I suspect also for any chemical engineering as well.
When I’ve first learned about the phenomenon, I’ve seen discussions by professional artists, designers, architects, animators and the likes, that managed to work in these areas despite their aphantasia. It’s been a while and I m not able to find the links, and it was not formal study to begin with, but it’s so counterintuitive that I wanted to share anyways.