Sketchnote Junkie

Ever since I was in elementary school, I have doodled. But unlike the swirls, circles and cartoons that filled the binders and book margins of my friends, my doodles almost always incorporated words. I was studying for a High School American History exam when I suddenly realized I could remember many more details from a particular class lecture when that day's notes were filled with small pictures and illustrated words. Looking back, I recognize that was the moment I became a Sketchnote Junkie. 

Sketchnotes, or visual note taking, lets you combine images and words to better comprehend and recall complex, frequently non-linear, concepts and ideas.  I find that taking Sketchnotes during seminars and meetings actually improves my focus and attention, and I am frequently able to recall details from specific presentations months later.   

Recently, I was asked to create Sketchnotes for the BigDesign Conference in Dallas, Texas. During the event, I noticed that many people sitting nearby were watching me intently as I drew, and many actually asked to see my notes during breaks.  My particular technique is to fit all the notes from a single meeting or seminar onto a single page, within a perfect rectangle.  Here is a shot of my notes for Josh Clark's presentation. 

If you want to learn more about SketchNotes, there are many resources at your disposal.  Mike Rohde's Sketchnote Army (www.sketchnotearmy.com)  is a site dedicated to showcasing sketchnotes from around the world.  There are hundreds of styles, and the variety displayed on his site is amazing.  In addition, simply running a quick Google search on the term "sketchnotes" will uncover a wealth of information.

And don't forget to evangelize Sketchnotes when you are in the office. That way, your boss won't view your constant doodling as a sign you forgot your ADD meds that morning.  Instead, they will recognize your activity as a "cutting-edge, cognitive exercise to improve retention of complex ideas."