Digital Graphic Recording - live drawing on the tablet
08
.
Mar
2023
•
8 min
Reading time
What is (digital) graphic recording?
If content is presented, discussed or elaborated, it can be visually documented with graphic recording. This means that what is said (and shown) is translated into images in real time, which are supplemented with short texts. This creates a protocol that not only makes it easier for participants to understand and concentrate during the event, but can also be used beyond the event to communicate the content.
A great many event formats can be captured with the help of graphic recording: Seminars and workshops, lectures, discussions, meetings, presentations, group work, award ceremonies and product presentations are just a few examples.
Graphic Recording Formats - Digital Graphic Recording in Focus
We distinguish three types of Grahic Recording:
Analog Graphic Recording Contents of meetings, workshops, panel discussions or presentations are recorded live on site and in real time with pen and paper( read more here)
Digital Graphic Recording Content from events is captured live on-site and in real-time using a graphics tablet (which is what this blog post will be about).
Remote Graphic Recording Content from webinars, digital meetings or online events is captured in real time using a graphic tablet and digitally transmitted.
What equipment do you need?
What pen and paper are for analog graphic recording, the graphics tablet and stylus (pen for the graphics tablet) are for digital graphic recording. These two basic ingredients are sufficient for digital graphic recording. However, there are a few other tools that are well worth using. Let's take a look at them one by one:
Graphic tablet and stylus
The drawing tool and thus the basis for digital graphic recording. I would not save here, because complications are pre-programmed with a too small screen or an outdated operating system.
To transfer the image from the graphics tablet to a projector, you should always have both an HDMI and a VGA adapter with you. Personally, I usually have several with me. Better safe than sorry.
The power supply must also be taken care of. Here, not only a cable but also a network adapter with good performance is important so that the tablet can really take part in the whole event.
If you want to draw for a long time, often and without back problems, you should also invest in a drawing board. This ensures the correct back posture when drawing and expands the storage area for the hand. One of the best investments I have ever made.
The camera allows the audience to see not only the screen of the iPad but also the graphic recorder at work. Three camera options have proven themselves in practice:
Screen sharing Thescreen of the graphics tablet is transferred to the projector via cable while drawing. You can either zoom into the image to show details or set the settings so that the entire image is always visible, even if you rotate, enlarge or reduce the screen for drawing.
Face Cam Atthe beginning of the event, the:graphic recorder:in usually introduced. With a Face Cam, he:in can wave into the camera while doing so. At the end of the event, it is also nice to look into the camera briefly before switching to screen sharing to review the images of the day and summarize the content.
Table Top Camera Withscreen sharing, you can only see the screen of the graphics tablet but not the graphic recorder while drawing. With a table top camera you can see the table from above and therefore the whole setup as well as the hand while drawing. For participants this is always an exciting change and it shows that the images are actually drawn by hand and live.
What should be provided on site?
Besides the technical equipment that the:the Graphic Recorder:in takes with him, there are a few things that the:the Organizer:in should organize:
Table and chair In order to work well, the Graphic Recorder needs a table and a chair with a backrest. The table should be at least 120 x 80cm so that the equipment (laptop and graphic tablet with drawing board) has enough space. The table should be positioned in the room so that the stage (incl. presentation slides if any are shown) is clearly visible and audible.
Beamer connection The connection cable for the beamer should reach up to the table. An adapter for the graphic tablet is not necessary (the Graphic Recorder:in will take it with him).
Water A pitcher of water and a glass are always very welcome. Although there is usually a buffet for the participants at larger events, the water jug for the graphic recorder should not be spared.
What questions should you ask yourself in advance?
There are many aspects that you can think about in advance. After all, good preparation always pays off. Here are a few questions that should definitely be discussed before a graphic recording:
Are there any corporate design guidelines? Thebig advantage of digital graphic recording is that you can freely choose colors (unlike with analog graphic recording, where you have to rely on the palette of available flipchart pens). All that is needed is the color codes of the company colors (or the colors chosen for the branding of the event). Company's own imagery or fonts can also be considered if they are announced (and sent) in advance.
Arelogos to be included? Isthere a company logo or logos of partners and sponsors that should appear in the graphic recording?
Will people be named and/or portrayed? If speakers, team members or other persons are to be named or drawn (portrayed), the graphic recorder must enter the names and photos in advance.
Should the title of the event, place and date be mentioned? It makes sense to agree on the exact wording of the event title in advance. The inclusion of place and date makes the graphic recording easy to assign to an event, but can also ensure that the image appears "outdated" faster than intended.
What are the advantages of digital graphic recording?
When I did my first graphic recordings, there were no graphics tablets on which it would have been possible to work sensibly. But over time, the technology has not only improved, but has become so good that I advise almost all clients to use digital graphic recording. Why? The list of advantages is very long:
Adaptation to the corporate design Thanks to digital work, colors and fonts can be adopted 1:1. This means that the graphic recording matches the overall corporate image and the branding of the event.
Print quality of the images The images are digitally created in print quality and are therefore available in the best possible quality. The subsequent digitizing of analog drawn images unfortunately never leads to an equivalent result.
Change of location for flexible settings Unfortunately, large sheets of paper are difficult to transport. With the graphic tablet, on the other hand, you can flexibly visit several group rooms and switch between different stages.
Ideal for large rooms and groups An analog image cannot be that large that it can be seen well even in large rooms up to the last row. By projecting from the screen on the graphics tablet, you save the extra camera and the cameraman. You can zoom into the image to highlight specific parts and share the results at large events.
Changes are possible The digital format has the advantage that correcting typos and other change requests are still possible after the event.
Reproduction and longevity A high-resolution image means that it can be reproduced many times. And that even many years after the event.
Export of image sections Individual image sections can be easily cropped in digital format for future use in presentations, social media postings or other documents.
Use for social media, print and presentations Since the image is immediately available digitally, it can be shared immediately in top quality and used for documentation without any lengthy subsequent processing.
Examples from practice
Digital Graphic Recording at IMAGINE 2022
Digital Graphic Recording at the VÖGB Conference "Actionism
Digital Graphic Recording at the Community Building Austria Summit
In this course, you will learn the basics of working with a flipchart. We explore materials, writing, structure, images and how you can achieve great results with little effort.
