Sketchnote your way to success: sketchnoting techniques to take learning and communication to a new level
Do you think in pictures? If so, you are part of 65% of people who are visual learners. In Agile, we have a lot of complex concepts that we need to understand and explain to others. Sketchnoting or visual summaries can help you learn more effectively, retain information and connect ideas. It can also be used to share with your teams to communicate in a fun and engaging way.
Here’s the good news: everyone can draw! It’s not about art, it’s about capturing and communicating ideas. Sketchnoting uses words and visuals to summarise information in a unique and memorable way.
Sketchnoting as a skill can help you in your personal journey of learning, as well as sharing with your teams.
Join this workshop to become a sketchnoter, you’ll never look back!
Outline/Structure of the Workshop
Introduction to visual thinking and sketchnoting: 10 min
We’ll begin by discussing the benefits of visual thinking and explore sketchnoting as a global movement. Research will be covered to support the power of using visuals, especially hand drawn, imperfect imagery to help support learning and communication.
Types of sketchnotes and when to use them: 5 min
There are many different types of sketchnotes. I will use examples to illustrate different types of sketchnotes and how they can be used (i.e. for learning, for communication, live sketchnoting vs. summarising content).
Let’s get started: 20 min
We will work through the basics of sketchnoting. Each delegate will have handouts to work through as we go through the concepts. Practicing and taking notes as we go. I will cover the following main topics:
- Stationery and equipment (what will you need to get started?)
- Sketchnoting layouts
- Order of priority (what to do first? How to space plan and organise information)
- Easy typography
- Basic icons and imagery
- Containers
- Shading and colour
- Pen on paper vs. digital (a brief introduction to using paper vs. digital. Note: I will not go in-depth with certain apps in this workshop, but rather show the pros and cons of analogue vs. digital sketchnoting. In this workshop, we’ll use pen and paper)
As a handout, attendees will receive a workbook to use in the session. This will cover all of the topics with space to practice and take notes.
Now, it’s your turn: 20 min
Working in pairs or individually, delegates will be given an Agile concept to sketchnote (i.e. Agile Values, Scrum Framework, Scrum Roles, User Story Mapping, etc.). Using the principles and techniques of sketchnoting covered, each pair / delegate will get an opportunity to create a visual summary of the chosen topic.
I will rotate and answer questions or give tips to attendees.
How did it go?: 10 min
Attendees will be given time to give feedback on the process and raise any questions or concerns that came out of the activity.
Live sketchnoting & debrief: 15 min
We will do an activity in which we will create a live sketchnote. This is a valuable skill, but takes practice. The aim of this activity is to give attendees an idea of what real-time sketchnoting is like.
Close out and questions: 10 min
To close the session we will cover:
- When to use sketchnotes?
- How to share sketchnotes with your teams and organisations?
- Principles to keep in mind
- Tips and tricks
- Additional information: links, books, apps and resources
Learning Outcome
- Learn how to use sketchnoting for yourself and others (to summarise content, to remember and retain information, to simplify complex ideas)
- Improve your visual thinking skillset (basic techniques of sketchnoting and visual thinking)
- Practice sketchnoting (text, icons, containers, layouts and hierarchy of information)
- Build your confidence in visual thinking and sketchnoting
Target Audience
Anyone looking to gain confidence in sketchnoting techniques to summarise, synthesize and organise information in a visual way. People who want to simplify complex information for themselves and their teams.
