Decode Your Doodling: A Friendly Guide to Visual Thinking & Sketch Noting

We all do it. That pen tapping rhythm during a phone call manifests as looping lines and curious shapes on a notepad. Or perhaps during a particularly lengthy meeting, your notes aren’t neat columns of text, but a sprawling landscape of arrows, boxes, and… well, doodles. For years, these were dismissed as mindless distractions. But what if I told you those ‘doodles’ are actually a powerful form of thinking, a gateway to better memory, deeper understanding, and creative problem-solving? Welcome to the world of visual thinking, and its more structured sibling, sketch noting.

The Power of Visual Thinking: Beyond Words

Humans aren’t solely textual creatures. Our brains are wired for visual processing. In fact, visual information is processed 60,000 times faster than text. This isn’t to say reading and writing are unimportant – far from it! But relying *only* on text limits our cognitive potential. Visual thinking leverages the brain’s natural strengths, allowing us to:

• Enhance Memory: Images are far more memorable than words. Combining text and visuals creates a stronger neural connection, boosting recall.
• Improve Understanding: Visualizing complex concepts forces you to simplify them, identify key relationships, and truly grasp the core ideas.
• Spark Creativity: Doodling and sketching allow for free-flowing thought, breaking down mental barriers and fostering innovative solutions.
• Increase Engagement: Let’s face it, a page full of colourful drawings is simply more inviting than a wall of text. Visuals draw us in and hold our attention.

Think back to your childhood. Didn’t you learn best through pictures, stories, and hands-on activities? Visual thinking taps into that innate learning style, making it a valuable tool for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Doodling vs. Sketch Noting: What’s the Difference?

While both involve drawing, there’s a key distinction between doodling and sketch noting.

• Doodling: Generally unconscious and free-form. It’s the spontaneous creation of patterns and shapes, often done while thinking about something else. It’s about the *process* of drawing, not necessarily the outcome.
• Sketch Noting: A more deliberate and active form of visual thinking. It involves capturing ideas in real-time using a combination of drawings, symbols, handwriting, and visual elements. It’s about *recording* information in a visually engaging way.

Think of doodling as the warm-up, and sketch noting as the focused practice. Doodling can *lead* to sketch noting, and the skills developed in one area will certainly benefit the other.

Getting Started with Sketch Noting: Your Visual Toolkit

The beauty of sketch noting is that you don’t need to be an artist. Seriously! Stick figures and simple shapes are perfectly acceptable (and often preferred). Here’s a breakdown of the core elements you’ll use:

1. Basic Shapes

Master these, and you’ve got a foundation for almost anything:

• Circles/Ovals: Represent people, ideas, or concepts.
• Squares/Rectangles: Denote structure, stability, or containers.
• Triangles: Indicate direction, action, or hierarchy.
• Lines: Connect ideas, show relationships, and create movement.

2. Typography & Hand Lettering

Don’t just write – *play* with your lettering! Vary font sizes, styles (bold, italic, cursive), and arrangements to emphasize key points. Consider using:

• Headings: Larger, bolder fonts to highlight main topics.
• Subheadings: Slightly smaller fonts to indicate supporting ideas.
• Callouts: Bubbles or banners to draw attention to important quotes or statistics.

3. Icons & Symbols

This is where you build your visual vocabulary. Start with simple icons that represent common concepts:

• Lightbulb: Idea
• Arrow: Direction, process, connection
• Exclamation Point: Importance, warning
• Question Mark: Uncertainty, inquiry
• Person: People, audience

Don’t be afraid to invent your own! The more personalized your icons, the more memorable they’ll be.

4. Containers & Connectors

These elements organize your notes and show relationships between ideas:

• Boxes/Frames: Group related concepts.
• Banners: Highlight important information.
• Arrows: Show direction, flow, or connections.
• Lines: Create pathways and relationships.
• Brackets/Braces: Indicate lists or groupings.

5. Visual Hierarchy & Emphasis

Guide the viewer’s eye through your notes using visual cues:

• Size: Larger elements are more prominent.
• Color: Use colour strategically to highlight key points or categories.
• Weight: Thicker lines and bolder fonts draw attention.
• Spacing: Use white space to create visual breathing room and separate ideas.

Putting it All Together: Sketch Noting in Practice

Now for the fun part! Here’s how to approach sketch noting in different situations:

1. During Lectures & Presentations

This is a classic use case. Instead of frantically typing, focus on capturing the *essence* of what’s being said. Don’t try to write everything down verbatim. Instead:

• Listen for Key Concepts: Identify the main ideas and supporting details.
• Use Keywords: Write down only the most important words and phrases.
• Visualize: Turn those keywords into simple drawings or icons.
• Connect Ideas: Use arrows and lines to show relationships between concepts.

2. During Meetings

Sketch noting can transform a tedious meeting into a productive brainstorming session. Encourage team members to contribute to the visual map. This fosters collaboration and ensures everyone is on the same page.

3. For Personal Learning

Whether you’re reading a book, watching a documentary, or listening to a podcast, sketch noting can help you process and retain information more effectively. It’s a great way to actively engage with the material and create a personalized learning record.

4. For Brainstorming & Idea Generation

Free-form sketch noting is perfect for brainstorming. Let your ideas flow onto the page without judgment. Use mind maps, flowcharts, and visual metaphors to explore different possibilities.

Resources to Fuel Your Visual Journey

Ready to dive deeper? Here are some fantastic resources to help you hone your sketch noting skills:

• Sketchnote Handbook: By Mike Rohde, considered the bible of sketch noting.
• Sketchnote Army: An online community of sketch noters.
• YouTube: Search for “sketch noting tutorials” for a wealth of visual inspiration.

Here’s a video to get you started:

Beyond Sketch Noting: Expanding Your Visual Toolkit

Sketch noting is a fantastic starting point, but the world of visual thinking extends far beyond. Consider exploring these related techniques:

• Mind Mapping: A visual way to organize ideas around a central theme.
• Visual Journaling: Using images and words to explore your thoughts and feelings.
• Infographics: Presenting data and information in a visually compelling format.
• Storyboarding: Creating a sequence of images to plan out a story or process.

If you enjoy restoring old objects, you might find a similar satisfaction in bringing forgotten skills to life. Like antique typewriter restoration, visual thinking is about rediscovering and celebrating a fundamental human capability.

Embrace Imperfection: The Joy of Visual Exploration

The most important thing to remember is to have fun! Don’t strive for perfection. Embrace the messy, imperfect nature of visual thinking. The goal isn’t to create a masterpiece, but to unlock your cognitive potential and enhance your understanding of the world around you. Allow yourself to experiment, to make mistakes, and to develop your own unique visual style.

And remember, sometimes the most insightful discoveries come from simply letting your pen wander. Perhaps while pondering your next creative endeavour, like learning the art of origami, or maybe while troubleshooting a problem, such as identifying pests on your plants. Doodling and sketch noting can be valuable companions on any journey of learning and discovery.

Final Thoughts: Unleash Your Inner Visual Thinker

Visual thinking isn’t a talent reserved for artists or designers. It’s a skill that anyone can develop with practice. So, grab a pen, a piece of paper, and start exploring. Let your doodles tell a story, capture your ideas, and unlock your creative potential. You might be surprised at what you discover. The world is a visual place – it’s time to start thinking that way too.