GRAPHIC WALL CHARTS
There are three main areas that I work in using large, 1m x 3m wall charts to visually capture the essence of a conversation or set of ideas. These are graphic recording, graphic facilitating and custom chart work.
GRAPHIC RECORDING
Graphic recording is a real time visual record of a meeting, discussion, or conversation of any kind. As the recorder I work silently on the chart while the conversation unfolds. As the presenter, dialogue or group discussion occurs, I create a visual record of the key points and concepts within a composition that captures the experience and meaning of the meeting.
(Photo courtesy of Ragnhild Richter-Struebe)
People are drawn into the recording process as their ideas, questions and even direct quotes are incorporated into the chart. Yet what makes this work both challenging and deeply rewarding for people is how quickly the ideas and concepts are transformed into a composition of colour and imagery.
There is room on the page for everyone's voice and everyone leaves feeling heard. Charts are very large and people see ideas as wholes rather than as fragmented bits on a flip chart or power point presentation. Because the charts incorporate information, patterns, colour and imagery of deeper concepts there are multiple ways for both the left and right hemispheres of the brain to process the information and hold it in memory.
The goal is not to capture every single word but to offer an aesthetically pleasing visual representation of key points that engage people in an emotional and intellectual way with what they are experiencing.
Graphic recording is used in group settings such as:
• Seminars
• Lectures
• Presentations
• Open space technology harvests
• Brainstorming sessions
• Leadership retreats
• Planning meetings
• Conferences and training retreats
Graphic recording is also useful for individuals who are seeking to have their thoughts recorded in real time such as:
• Exploration of new ideas
• Storytelling
• Biographies
GRAPHIC FACILITATION
Graphic facilitation is similar to graphic recording except that the person recording is also facilitating the discussion. This is highly useful in scenarios that require the group to work out details before they are recorded. Often graphic facilitators use sticky notes to enable them to move notes around on the chart while the group determines where best they fit as priorities. Once the group agrees on the placement, the information is recorded with marker and embellished with colour.
Graphic facilitation is used in:
• Strategic planning
• Visioning sessions
• History maps
• Context maps
• Brainstorming sessions
Graphic facilitation can also be used with individuals for personal growth work such as:
• Biographies
• Charting progress
• Setting goals and clarifying values
• Evaluating strengths and weaknesses
CUSTOM CHART WORK
Custom charts are very useful on their own or in conjunction with graphic recording or facilitation services. They can serve to remind participants of etiquette, rules and roles, agenda items or priorities. Custom charts may be far more detailed than real time charts and thus can be used to illustrate a great deal of research, such as when charting the history of an organization. When making these charts, I can incorporate detailed drawings, fonts and precise information. See the portfolio for examples.
Custom charts can be used for:
• History maps of an organization
• Personal or family histories
• Context maps
• Training sessions
• Reminders of etiquette, principles or rules
• Meeting agendas
