Graphic Recording & Graphic Facilitation
What Are Graphic Recording & Graphic Facilitation?
During portions of a meeting, a Graphic Recorder captures ideas and information as they are being expressed, either on large pieces of paper (usually 4′ x 8′ or larger) and flip charts, using markers and other media, or digitally, typically on an iPad Pro (which allows for remote recording).
The large size of the charts:
- Makes ideas visible
- Reflects the whole
- Mirrors the content and the process the group is going through
A Graphic Facilitator combines graphic recording and process design and meeting facilitation, and may work with templates.
What Are the Benefits of Graphic Recording / Graphic Facilitation?
Fosters Engagement and Commitment
- Participants feel acknowledged, so they contribute more fully.
- Live-recording is fascinating to watch!
- People are more involved, whether the recording is accurate or not: if it’s faithful, they feel respected; if it’s not, they are drawn to make corrections and additions.
- Because people identify with their words, having them recorded on public record invites explicit commitment.
- A public record has high validity because it can be challenged.
Supports Big-Picture Thinking
- Graphic metaphors build shared meaning.
- Visualization supports BOTH seeing themes and seeing gaps.
- Large displays allow groups to work BOTH linearly and non-linearly, thus activating both left and right sides of the brain.
- Panoramas support an appreciation of context and complexity.
Supports Group Memory
- Visual notes that combine drawings and graphic patterns boost memory retention!
- Group visualization enhances alignment, since everyone walks away with a common picture.
- With digital reproductions, groups keep mind share and attention on agreements and action plans, increasing retention and productivity.
Researchers report that we retain only 15% of what we hear, and ~65% of what we see, but 80% when combined!
Watch Melissa In Action!
