WHAT
Graphic Recordings (also known as graphic summaries, visual minutes, scribble, and sketch notes) are rich visual notes made by combining handwriting, visual elements, and drawings.
All too often, what comes out of meetings are highly detailed, text-only minutes that no one bothers reading afterward.
In graphic recording, the focus is on capturing the BIG ideas;
- highlighting the key elements,
- capturing exciting quotes, and
- expressing concepts
Verbal and visual concepts are coded together by the brain improving understanding, memory and recall.
👂Hearing + 👀Seeing + 🧠Thinking + ✍️Drawing = Graphic recording
Graphic recordings are made in real-time in a physical or virtual pen & paper or a tablet & stylus.
WHY
Graphic recordings are not just a tool; they’re a fun and engaging way to make your event stand out from the crowd.
It makes conferences, summits, or workshops memorable and gives it a life after the lights have been turned off.
Each graphic recording is unique and can be customized to brand colors and CVI.
HOW
Do you want to try out graphic recording?
Here are 5 steps to get you going:
RESEARCH
- What is the topic?
- What is the agenda?
- Who is speaking?
- Who is the organizer and audience?
- What colors and logos may be relevant?
- What images relate to the topic?
PREPARE
- Have the materials you will need at hand: remember to charge, bring backup tips and a backup pen
- Set up your digital canvas or paper:
decide on the format and layout - Make an invisible grid to organize the canvas by agenda items so everything will fit in
DESIGN
- White the title, names of the presenter(s) and draw logos if relevant
- Chose one or two handwriting fonts you want to use for headlines and text
- Use bullets, arrows, and dividers to improve readability and show connections
- Use placeholders to organize text
- Do not underestimate white space
LISTEN & SYNTHESIZE
- Concentrate: eliminate & filter distractions
- Listen for information that stands out or
tells a story - Pay attention to patterns and visualize connections
- Draw the images that appear in your head while you listen to underline and highlight themes and concepts
- Highlight content and use color strategically
DOCUMENT & SHARE
- Sign your work
- Add the date if relevant
- Photograph or scan your graphic recording
- Send by email, print and hang it, upload to intraweb, or post on SoMe
