Have you heard of visual note-taking, and have you thought about trying it out yourself?
This guide will cover everything you need to know about visual note-taking, including its definition, the different mediums you can use, tips on how to get started, and the benefits of incorporating this technique into your note-taking routine.
What is visual note-taking?
Visual note-taking, also known as sketchnoting or graphic recording, is a method of creating visual notes to capture and communicate information in a more engaging and memorable way. It is a form of note-taking that uses illustrations, drawings, and symbols to represent information. Unlike traditional note-taking, which relies solely on text, visual note-taking combines text with visuals to create a more engaging and memorable representation of information. This approach can be used to capture notes from a variety of sources, including meetings, presentations, lectures, and workshops.
It encompasses a range of techniques, each with its own unique approach and purpose. One of the most popular forms of visual note-taking is mind mapping, which uses a central idea or concept and branches out to connect related ideas, concepts, and information. Mind maps help to organize information in a way that is easy to understand and can be a great tool for brainstorming, planning, and problem-solving. Another popular form of visual note-taking is graphic recording, which involves creating visual representations of information during events such as conferences, workshops, and meetings. Graphic recording helps to capture the key takeaways and ideas discussed and can be used as a reference or summary of the event.
These are just two examples of the many different forms of visual note-taking, each with its own unique approach and benefits. Whether you choose to use mind maps, graphic recording, or another form of visual note-taking, the goal is to capture information in a way that is memorable, engaging, and effective.
What do I need to take
visual notes?
There are many different mediums that can be used for visual note-taking, including paper, whiteboards, and digital tools. When it comes to paper, many visual note-takers prefer using dotted notebooks, which allow for more freedom in terms of placement and size of illustrations and text. For digital tools, there are many apps available, such as Microsoft OneNote, Evernote, and Procreate, which offer a variety of tools and features that are ideal for visual note-taking.
Do I have to be a good artist to do it?
Anyone can make visual notes! Getting started with it is easy, and it is a technique that anyone can learn. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Start with a basic set of symbols and illustrations. Familiarize yourself with a few basic symbols and illustrations that can be used to represent different concepts, such as arrows, boxes, and icons.
- Practice, practice, practice. Visual note-taking is a skill that takes time to develop, so be sure to practice regularly. Try incorporating visual note-taking into your daily routine, such as taking notes during meetings or when reading a book.
- Experiment with different mediums. Experiment with different mediums to find the one that works best for you. This could include trying out different paper or digital tools, or experimenting with different styles of illustration and symbols.
There are many benefits to incorporating visual note-taking into your note-taking routine. Some of the benefits include:
- Increased engagement. Visual note-taking can help you stay engaged and focused during meetings, presentations, and lectures.
- Improved memory retention. Studies have shown that people remember information better when it is presented in a visual format, making visual note-taking an effective tool for improving memory retention.
- Increased creativity. Visual note-taking can help spark creativity and be a great way to capture ideas and inspiration.
- Better communication. Visual note-taking can help to communicate information more effectively, making it easier for others to understand and remember.
Where can I use it?
With its many benefits, there are many different scenarios where you can use visual note-taking in your daily life. Here are some examples:
- Taking notes during meetings. Using visual notes, it’s a great way to capture the key points and ideas discussed during meetings, making it easier to review and recall the information later.
- Recording lectures. Visual note-taking can be used to capture the most important information from lectures, making it easier to study and review the material later.
- Planning and brainstorming. Visual note-taking can be used as a tool for planning and brainstorming, allowing you to capture ideas and organize them in a visual format.
- Presenting information. Visual note-taking can be used as a tool for presenting information, making it easier for others to understand and retain the information.
- Virtual and In-person Events. Whether you take visual notes for yourself or hire an illustrator for your event, visual notes will help capture your event minutes and provide an engaging experience for you and your audience.
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone who loves to learn and organise information, visual note-taking can help you retain information more effectively, spark creativity, and communicate ideas more clearly. So why not give it a try and see how it can enhance your note-taking and information-management skills? Start with the basics, experiment with different mediums, and keep practising – you might be surprised at the results!
If you’re interested in seeing it happen in real time, have Ortus Draws listen in on your next event! With a live illustrator present, you’ll have a concise, coherent, and colourful visual representation of the discussion ready to catch the eyes and engage viewers.
Ortus Draws is a live sketchnoting company that specialises in bringing ideas to life with creative and informative mind maps. Our sketchnotes capture the key points of virtual events, roundtables, webinars, discussions, conferences, presentations, pitches, interviews, and internal meetings. Are you looking for an illustrator for your event? Contact us now!
