Design thinking resource
A visual note-making practice that combines concise words, simple drawings, containers and connections to capture and communicate thinking.
Visual sketchnoting uses short phrases, symbols, simple illustrations, arrows and spatial organisation to capture meaning. Artistic skill is not the objective; clarity and connection are.
The practice encourages active listening because the sketchnoter must identify important ideas, relationships and hierarchy rather than transcribing every word.
Headers establish major themes, containers group related content and connectors show sequence, influence or contrast. Scale, position and limited colour can guide attention.
A sketchnote can remain rough and immediate or be redrawn as a clearer artefact for sharing with others.
Visual notes can explore how a concept might be explained, how information should be organised or how a future experience could unfold.
Because marks are quick and provisional, teams can add, move and challenge ideas before committing to a polished presentation or interface.
Put the method to work
Capture essential ideas, examples and tensions rather than every sentence.
Use headings, scale and placement to distinguish themes from supporting detail.
Develop a practical vocabulary of lines, shapes, symbols and people.
Show sequence, cause, contrast and relationships with arrows and spatial grouping.
Check meaning, add missing context and improve legibility before sharing.
Why it matters
Encourage interpretation and synthesis while information is being presented.
Combine verbal and visual cues to strengthen recall.
Make hierarchy, sequence and connections visible on one page.
Provide an engaging summary that can support discussion across different audiences.
Continue exploring
Place this method back within the broader 5E Design Thinking Framework and continue developing your understanding.