Graphic Recording

 

What is graphic recording and facilitation?  

Graphic recording and facilitation involve translating spoken words and complex concepts into engaging visual representations using images, words, and colours on large sheets of paper. The process captures the essence of discussions and presentations in real time, providing a visual summary that helps participants see patterns and relationships. During meetings, events, key notes, conferences, or evaluations, graphic recorders create visual metaphors that enhance engagement and memory retention by making information more accessible and memorable. The graphic recording artifacts (sometimes called wall charts) are then often shared digitally with participants and/or used in reports after an event. 

 

What are the benefits to including it? 

The benefits of graphic recording and facilitation includes faster and more effective information transfer, breaking language barriers, making content attractive, understandable, and accessible. Visuals help communicate complex ideas succinctly, with a single image often conveying more than words alone. Graphic recording enhances clarity, aids visual learners, can help reduce misunderstandings, inspire further conversation, and create an atmosphere that encourages participation and collaboration.

 

Okay… I get it, but is there any theory to back that up?

Yes! Let’s get a little geeky! 

Visuals and graphic recording work well because our brains are wired to process images faster and more effectively than words alone. This idea is backed by several scientific principles.

One of these is Dual Coding Theory. Proposed by Allan Paivio, this theory suggests that our brains handle verbal and visual information in different ways but can process both at the same time. So when we see and hear information, we create two pathways for memory, making it easier to understand and remember.

Paivio further identified the Picture Superiority Effect, which shows that we tend to remember images better than words. Pictures stick with us because they activate our visual cortex and can evoke emotions and associations, making them more memorable.

Cognitive Load Theory (Sweller, 1988) identifies that our working memory is only able to hold a small amount of information at any one time. Visuals help to break down complex information into simpler, more digestible pieces, reducing the mental effort needed to understand and remember it, making it easier for our brains to handle.

Visuals naturally grab our attention and keep us engaged. They help us see patterns and relationships between ideas, making complex topics more understandable. Our brains are great at recognizing patterns and visuals can highlight these connections.

Fleming’s (2014) VARK (Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinetic) learning theory supports the use of visuals, along with the text that is included in graphic recording, as being beneficial for different learning styles; combining images with text and speech helps more people grasp and retain the information.

 

Overall, visuals and graphic recording can make information more engaging, memorable, and easier to understand by aligning with how our brains naturally process the world.