Note Taking: Unlocking Creativity Through Visual Note-Taking

Note taking has been a long-established practice in education and the corporate world. From lectures, meetings, or seminars, note-taking has always been a way to retain and organize information. However, many people find it dull and uninspiring, leading to incomplete or ineffective notes. That being said, note-taking doesn’t have to be monotonous. Visual Note-taking, also known as Sketchnoting, is a technique that can bring life to your notes and unleash your creativity.

What is Visual Note-Taking

Visual Note-taking or Sketchnoting is a practice that combines hand-written notes, symbols, and drawings to make note-taking more engaging, stimulating, and memorable. The idea is to transform the written word into a visual representation that’s easier to recall and understand. The visual elements can be drawings, doodles, charts, or even simple stick figures that add a layer of depth to your notes.

Why You Should Use Visual Note-Taking

Visual Note-taking has numerous benefits for students, professionals, and anyone who wants to express themselves visually. The following are some of the benefits that you can get from Visual Note-taking:

Improved memory retention: Visual images are easier to recall and remember than text alone. By transforming written text into a visual representation, your brain can process and store the information better.

Active, engaged, and highly stimulated brain: Visual Note-taking is an excellent method to connect previously unseen dots. When you add visual elements to your notes, your brain becomes more active and engaged, leading to better learning and understanding.

Better and more creative critical thinker and problem solver: Visual Note-taking develops the creative side of your brain, which is an essential skill for analyzing and solving complex problems.

More creative ideas to be connected in different ways: Visual Note-taking allows you to see connections between different ideas in a way that’s impossible with just text. The visual representation will help you see patterns and relationships that are not immediately apparent.

Notes will become easier to review: Visual Note-taking makes reviewing your notes more fun and intuitive. You can quickly scan your notes and remember the essential points while enjoying the visuals and drawings.

How Visual Note-Taking Stimulates Your Brain

Visual Note-taking is a powerful tool that can boost your creativity, productivity, and ability to retain information. The following are some of the techniques that you can use to stimulate your brain through Visual Note-taking:

Text: Try to make your text stand out. For example, if you are using the word “bold,” make sure it appears as “BOLD” or “moving” should feel like it is literally MOVING!

Shapes: Use basic shapes and then make them come alive. For example, overlap two circles and turn them into a Venn diagram.

Frames: Use containers or frames to help consolidate or collect your ideas. For example, add a cloud over the head of a person or symbol and include a quote from a lecture.

Connectors: Use connectors to link ideas or connect your thoughts via roads or networks.

Symbols: This is the easiest and best way to start on your journey to become a Visual Note-taker. If you are taking notes on economics, simply start adding visual symbols of money; or communication, start using symbols of an iPhone or e-mail.

Transform Ideas Through Visual Communication

Visual Note-taking can transform your note-taking experience into a fun and insightful activity. Here’s how you can start:

Step #1: Draw a line through the middle of your paper.

Step #2: On one side take handwritten notes. The other side is for drawing.

Step #3: Do not write down everything verbatim, instead, use acronyms or abbreviations.

Step #4: Write down the key 4 or 5 main points or concepts.

Step #5: Start experimenting!

Remember, there is no limit to what your mind can create. Visualize success when using this skill, as there are an infinite amount of ways you can use it. As you continue to practice and experiment, you’ll find your unique style and voice in Visual Note-taking.

Continue on Your Visual Note-taking Journey

If you’re interested in Visual Note-taking and want to learn more, here are some references that can help you get started:

The Sketchnote Handbook by Mike Rohde

Sketchnotes 101: The Basics of Visual Note-taking by Eva-Lotta Lamm

Visual Note-taking Hub by Sunni Brown

Doodle Revolution by Sunni Brown

Conclusion

Visual Note-taking is a skill that anyone can adopt and bring to their note-taking experience. By adding visual elements to your notes, you’ll find that your retention, creativity, and engagement will be significantly improved. Remember, the process is just as important as the result, so don’t be afraid to experiment, have fun, and develop your unique style in Visual Note-taking.