Sketchnoting: Creative Notes for Technical Content

by Jessica Eldredge

The video titled "Sketchnoting: Creative Notes for Technical Content" by Jessica Eldredge focuses on the technique of sketchnoting, which combines hand-drawn visuals and text to enhance note-taking, particularly during technical discussions.

Jessica, a front-end developer at Shopify, introduces sketchnoting as a form of visual note-taking that fosters focus, improves memory retention, and helps visualize complex concepts. Here are the key points discussed throughout the talk:

Definition and Origin of Sketchnoting: Sketchnoting, a term coined by Mike Rohde, is presented as a dynamic alternative to traditional note-taking, involving real-time sketches and text.
Techniques for Effective Sketchnoting: Two main approaches to sketchnoting are outlined: live sketchnoting, where notes are created during a presentation, and later sketchnoting, which involves reformatting notes after the event. Jessica favors live sketchnoting for its immediacy and completeness.
Mediums and Tools: Various mediums for sketchnoting are highlighted, including traditional pen and paper, tablets, and digital sketching applications. She shares her preferred tools, such as Uni-ball pens and quality paper.
The Importance of Attention and Listening: Emphasizing active listening, Jessica connects sketchnoting to mental engagement during presentations. She discusses how it encourages deeper focus than typing notes on a laptop, which often leads to distractions.
Cognitive Benefits: Drawing on dual coding theory, Jessica explains that combining verbal and visual channels improves memory retention. She encourages overcoming barriers to drawing by practicing simple shapes and reinforcing key concepts visually.
Sharing and Engaging with the Community: Jessica notes that sharing sketchnotes on platforms like Twitter can enhance engagement and foster discussions with speakers and other attendees, making it a valuable practice at conferences.
Practical Tips for Sketchnoting: Advice includes arriving early to prepare, adapting layouts, and embracing mistakes to improve over time. Encouragement is given for practicing with less pressure in casual settings, such as TED Talks or movies.

In conclusion, sketchnoting is presented as a fun and effective method for capturing ideas visually, bridging creativity and technical content. Jessica asserts that anyone can sketchnote with practice, and she is eager to help those who feel they cannot draw. The video encourages developers and others to embrace this creative note-taking technique to enrich their learning and engagement.

00:00:12.710 Hello, my name is Jessica Eldredge, and I am a front-end developer at Shopify. I want to talk to you today about taking notes, specifically how to take awesome, very cool notes by practicing something called sketchnoting. So, what is sketchnoting? It's essentially visual note-taking. It's the practice of combining hand-drawn elements and text to create visually compelling notes.

00:00:29.699 If you're familiar with mind maps or have ever used a whiteboard to draw while designing software, you're already ahead of the game in sketchnoting. It's the difference between traditional notes and notes that are visually dynamic. I listened to this talk twice to prepare an example for you. Despite knowing nothing about Ruby cryptography, I hope this gives the impression that I know what I’m talking about. I got into sketchnoting because of a man named Mike Rohde. While preparing for South by Southwest one year, I stumbled upon his Flickr stream showcasing amazing sketches. I went down a rabbit hole checking out his photos and thought to myself, 'I really have to try this.' So, I began practicing at meetups and conferences.

00:01:21.150 Mike Rohde coined the term sketchnoting, by the way. He promotes this practice through various podcasts and events. I dug up my very first sketchnotes from that South by Southwest event, which is quite amusing considering I knew very little about Ruby on Rails at the time. It’s funny because my first sketchnotes were from a talk by DHH. There are different ways to create sketchnotes: you can do them live during a presentation or create them later.

00:01:48.090 Live sketchnoting means capturing notes in real time as the content is presented. In contrast, later sketchnotes might involve using scratch paper or digital tools to jot down bullet points and reformatting them into your sketchnotes after the event. As a developer, I prefer live sketchnoting because once the talk concludes, my notes are complete. This allows me to focus on the next thing without having to revisit previous notes.

00:02:08.200 Today, I will focus on live sketchnoting techniques. Various mediums can be used for sketchnoting; for instance, Veronica Herb, a sketchnoter, utilizes traditional pen and paper. I admire how she uses visual elements like tags to highlight technical terms. She illustrates concepts effectively, such as Git branching, in two different ways to reinforce the ideas. She also takes time to create engaging title areas for her notes.

00:02:42.580 Sasha Schewe employs a tablet PC with a sketchbook application for her sketchnotes, enhancing important concepts with colors. These colorful visual cues help her outline the main ideas of dense technical content. Similarly, Daniel Kirsch uses an iPad for sketchnoting; with a smaller device, he focuses on more concise notes. I appreciate that he incorporates pops of color and simplified stick figures to convey complex concepts.

00:03:19.600 Inspiration can come from fresh perspectives. You may think, 'Why am I discussing sketchnoting?' as a Ruby developer. I believe we can gain a lot from analog methods. Though we spend much time on electronic devices, taking a step back to engage in an alternative method can spark fresh ideas. This change of pace can lead to new insights and clarifications, which is essential.

00:03:59.360 Notable figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Sigmund Freud, Darwin, and Kurt Vonnegut have used sketching to enhance and clarify their ideas. Additionally, sketchnoting promotes focus. How many of you bring laptops to meetings? Often, instead of genuinely taking notes, you might check emails or messages. Laptops can be distracting, pulling your attention away from the moment and the speaker. In contrast, using pen and paper can intensify your concentration, allowing thorough reflection on the presented content.

00:04:41.190 Moreover, sketchnoting is known to improve memory retention. This concept is aligned with the dual coding theory proposed by Allan Paivio, which states that our brains process information through both verbal and visual channels. Combining these two modes can enhance our memory. Therefore, when sketchnoting, the act of using imagery alongside text increases the likelihood of information retention. In essence, many barriers to sketchnoting are mere excuses.

00:05:21.300 The primary reason I sketchnote is that it’s fun and serves as a great icebreaker during conferences. People engage and ask questions about your notes, making it easier for shy individuals to initiate conversations. I constantly seek opportunities to sketchnote whenever possible. When I encourage others to try sketchnoting, I frequently hear, 'I can't draw.' To those who feel this way, I say, 'Let me prove you wrong.'

00:06:03.740 The basic shapes you see on the slide — circles, squares, triangles, clouds, lines, dots, and arrows — are all you need to start sketchnoting. If you can draw any of these shapes, you can sketch note. If you struggle with these shapes, I’m more than willing to help you practice. Using these simple elements, you can create complex diagrams by connecting ideas and illustrations. My own sketchnotes rely on these basic shapes and text.

00:06:56.970 As developers, we enjoy sharing tools and setups. My preferred tools include a Uni-ball pen for smooth writing and a few backup pens for bolder strokes. I also utilize a shading marker in a warm gray for depth in my notes. I prioritize a medium-heavy paper that prevents ink bleed because I tend to write heavily. Some people prefer grid paper, which can help maintain straight lines and tidy text, especially when starting.

00:07:37.780 With everything set up, the key to successful sketchnoting, as the poet Mary Oliver advises, is to 'pay attention, be astonished, tell about it.' Paying attention is crucial. Sketchnoting is not solely about drawing; it’s about active listening. Active listening techniques facilitate pulling information from presentations effectively. This involves confirming your understanding through the capturing of messages on paper. You focus on the content without stressing about the drawing process.

00:08:20.080 It's essential to draw your attention away from your thoughts and opinions of the speaker. Don't let your reactions or perspectives distract you from capturing notes. Instead, focus on recording key information, and reserve reactions for later discussions with the speaker. Another point is to follow the speaker and not the slides. In our digital age, many speakers post their slides online right after their talk, allowing you to revisit them later. However, your focus should remain on the speaker and their presentation style.

00:09:04.300 Paying close attention to a speaker's body language and emotions is vital. When a speaker expresses excitement or frustration, that’s your cue to focus sharply on capturing those thoughts. It's tempting to try and summarize everything spoken, but it's often unmanageable since writing cannot keep pace with speaking. Instead, learn to filter key information by paying attention to the title of the talk, which often serves as a roadmap for highlight points.

00:09:49.890 Some speakers effectively summarize their talk's content at the beginning, but this isn't guaranteed. Consider what would stand out to you if you weren't taking notes; those thoughts are likely what should be captured. Live coding at technical conferences can be especially challenging, as there are many demos and coding examples. Instead of attempting to draw code, focus on capturing underlying concepts and insights shared during the demo.

00:10:37.230 Capture insights rather than specific lines of code; each mention of libraries, plugins, or terminology can be noted for further exploration later. It's okay to step back and enjoy the visual elements of a live coding demo without the pressure of taking precise notes. Use tools like post-it notes to jot down information quickly and return to them at lulls in presentations to update your full notes.

00:11:18.000 Next, embrace astonishment by emphasizing what stands out to you in the notes that you capture. Sharing your notes afterward is important; you may even share them with the speaker. However, remember that the primary concern is what you will retain from the session. It’s okay if not everything matches the speaker’s intent; focus on what resonates with you. Incorporating your interpretations is part of the learning process.

00:11:53.880 Articulating what you've absorbed in your unique style can sometimes diverge from the content originally shared, and that's okay. When reflecting on your notes, you’ll notice what resonated with you. For instance, I attended a talk by Tim O'Reilly at Brooklyn Beta, and my notes were different from those of another attendee who is a talented illustrator. This shows how each person's perspective can yield distinct outcomes from the same content.

00:13:11.340 Pay attention to jokes, quotes, and memorable quotes. When a speaker passionately curses on stage, it often generates laughter and captures attention. It’s worth noting those moments as they stand out. Listen for quotable moments that make you think. Conversely, if you find everything overwhelming and difficult to grasp, it is completely valid to not capture everything; instead, you can enjoy the presentation.

00:13:45.530 As you create your own visual vocabulary, develop shorthand that makes sense for you. Create visual indicators during talks so that you remember things later. For example, you can use drawing techniques, like quote symbols to highlight important phrases or draw small icons next to book titles shared during presentations. During discussions, distinguishing notable points visually can greatly enhance your understanding.

00:14:45.040 Creating your own visual language to jog your memory later is essential. For instance, Eva Lodila illustrates using quotation marks to indicate direct quotes in her sketchnotes. You may find yourself in a talk where everything seems over your head; that’s completely fine, too. Have a backup plan for comprehending the content, whether through visual summaries or personal annotations.

00:15:11.450 The third step is 'tell about it'. Sharing your notes can feel intimidating at first, but I prefer using Twitter for this purpose. When sharing, use the appropriate hashtags and mention the speaker to keep the conversation going post-talk. Websites like Sketchnote Army allow user submissions, capturing and showcasing a diverse array of sketches. This not only spreads knowledge but also engages the community.

00:15:43.940 Speakers appreciate when you share your notes; I discovered that audiences value this practice immensely. Your active listening reflects in the notes you share, showcasing your investment in their work. It’s a thoughtful gesture and often leads to capturing nuances the speaker didn’t even intend to convey.

00:16:32.050 While there is no definitive data to back this claim, I believe that your notes will be unique and intriguing. Often, in meetings, you might be one of the few actively taking sketchnotes, which diversifies the types of information captured. Sharing various formats—from handwritten sketches to digital notes—enhances overall information recall.

00:17:13.480 I’ve discussed conceptual ideas behind sketchnoting, but now let's touch on practical tips. Firstly, get comfortable. Arriving early to prepare and find a good seat can significantly improve your sketchnoting experience. Be mindful of lighting in dim conference rooms so you can see your notes clearly. Make the area around you comfortable, avoiding distractions.

00:18:02.470 Slow down. Many individuals feel their handwriting is inadequate for beautiful notes. My suggestion is to write slowly as if you're drawing the letters. This may reduce the amount of information captured, but the quality will improve. Writing larger letters can positively influence your handwriting quality; this may seem counterintuitive, but it forces you to slow down.

00:18:40.320 Experiment with your layouts. While top-down layouts are standard, feel free to switch it up; explore different arrangements, such as radial layouts with concepts branching out from a central topic. Column notes are particularly helpful during panel discussions, listing key points discussed by each speaker. Incorporate decorative elements into your notes to enhance their aesthetic appeal.

00:19:23.140 After capturing information, utilize lulls in discourse to make connections and embellish your notes. Embrace mistakes; they are a natural part of the process. Keep a backup plan, such as a marker to cover missteps. It's okay to accept that your notes may contain errors; focus on the content rather than perfection.

00:19:55.730 Like many skills, practice is essential. You might find it helpful to sketchnote during TED Talks, podcasts, or workplace meetings where the pressure of live events isn't present. This format allows you to refine your speed and how you capture essential information. Personally, I learned to capture a full talk's insights—ranging from two pages down to one—by continually practicing filtering important points.

00:20:46.050 Taking notes during entertaining content like movies can also be helpful for practice. One of my favorite examples is Berman's incredible sketchnotes of Glengarry Glen Ross. As you learn, don’t shy away from mimicking unique drawing styles you admire online. By incorporating various techniques, you can eventually develop your own unique style that reflects diverse influences.

00:21:38.760 Inspiration sources include Flickr, Pinterest, and Sketchnote Army. Scott Torrance released an excellent free ebook featuring 140 sketchnotes that contains nothing but visuals. Mike Rohde’s sketchbook handbook is another resource; his workbook details advanced techniques and exercises for enhancement beyond the tips presented here today. At the end of this talk, if you still feel that you can’t draw, remember this: you can definitely sketchnote!