Visual notes

Visual notes are a useful way of capturing key messages in visual form. Note taking occurs in real time, at a conference, meeting or presentation and the image(s) produced are the artist’s interpretation of what is shared. The visual note consists of reactive pieces for key concepts shared that when viewed together give a feel for the overall event.

Book a visual note taker in advance of your event and provide them with as much background information as they require
Some graphic facilitators prefer to draw on paper in full view of participants, others may prefer to note take using a computer – be clear about how your note taker works so you can prepare in advance
Try to avoid using jargon, acronyms and specialist language (a good habit to get into)
Identify in advance how you will share your visual note
A visual note is a brilliant way of capturing key information, but it should complement other outputs, not replace them in their entirety

Barriers

Visual note taking requires a skilled notetaker, good at multi-tasking with understanding of your context - they can be hard to find!

Some people find that visual notes look 'too busy'

A visual note is an interpretation, therefore your work may not be represented in the way you intended

Enablers

Visual notes present key concepts and ideas and some people are more likely to engage with them than read an executive summary

Visually presenting information can help a wider audience engage with your work, including those with poor levels of literacy or non-native speakers

Visual notes tend to be attractive, colourful and engaging - drawing people to your findings

Required Skills, Competencies or Resources

Booking and liaison with a visual note-taker

Skilled artist or note taker

Marketing of end product

Visual notes

Barriers

Enablers

Required Skills, Competencies or Resources

What to Measure?

Can be integrated at the following stages of the research process: