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!