Do you want to improve your training sessions and are looking for new methods – for online and offline? Then try the sketchnote method and design your next learning unit creatively and sustainably.
Doodles as a creative learning method?
We say yes! Because: people usually think in images, but speak only in terms and sentences. As a result, it is often difficult for us to remember content we have only heard. So-called Sketchnotes can be a good support, because they present knowledge in simplified form. They serve the purpose of making content more understandable. As a trainer, you can use this method to work through the key points of the last meeting in the form of sketches and individual terms, for example, to bring them closer to your course participants and call them back to mind.
But what are sketchnotes, anyway? They are a creative form of note-taking. Most often, they consist of small drawings or doodles that can be used instead of text – or combined with text. In particular, complex topics can be visualized with the help of a skillful mix of images, text, and structures, making them more accessible to learners.
Present complex content in a simplified way with sketchnotes.
Three reasons why you should give sketchnotes a chance
Double anchoring in memory – Through the combination of visual and textual content, engagement with a topic is encouraged. This contributes to comprehensibility, as different approaches to the content being discussed are made possible.
Automatic filtering of information – Sketchnoting forces your participants to select the content they perceive, making the notes more precise and meaningful.
Active listening – Learners automatically listen better thanks to this method, as they can focus on a visual record and do not have to reproduce your words word for word. This draws attention to the key messages.
You can use the sketchnote method in different ways
It is especially helpful for remembering content, because sketchnotes are a good alternative to common minutes, as they narrow topics down to their core message.
Understanding new content is also easier, since learners can quickly get an overview of a topic. And incidentally, you particularly appeal to visual learners!
During an in-person event, sketchnotes can increase the engagement of your participants, because drawing along requires active listening.
Last but not least, we recommend the sketchnote method for the development of new thoughts, ideas, and concepts, including in group settings.
A tip for you: Try using sketchnotes to follow up your last in-person event, to visually illustrate the most important content for course participants. Or let your participants brainstorm with this method for the upcoming session!
Sketchnotes as a suitable method for creative brainstorming.
Basic elements for your first sketchnotes
In principle, you can structure your sketchnotes however you like. All that matters is that you make notes you understand! A simple sketchnote can, for example, consist of an image and individual words. If you want to make it more complex, the following elements are suitable:
Bullet points to add more structure to short lists
(e.g., dots, check marks, ...)Boxes or containers so individual statements are highlighted
(e.g., speech bubbles, signs, ...)Separators and connecting elements to show relationships or differences
(e.g., arrows, lines, curly braces, ...)Symbols to illustrate important insights
(e.g., light bulb, flag, ...)Typography to mark headings more clearly
(e.g., bold text, border lines, ...)Figures to make content more human
(e.g., stick figures, circle figures, ...)Emotions and faces to increase expressiveness
(e.g., happy face, sad smiley, ...)
This is what your sketchnotes could look like, for example.
Remember the principle: “Ideas, not Art!” – because sketchnotes do not have to be beautiful; they merely serve to simply summarize different contents or results!
Frequently asked questions and answers
What are sketchnotes in the continuing education context?
Sketchnotes are visual notes that combine text, symbols, drawings, and structures. They help present content compactly and make complex topics easier to understand.
Why do sketchnotes support learning success?
By combining images and text, content is processed through multiple perception channels. This makes understanding easier, encourages active listening, and improves long-term retention of learning content.
Why are sketchnotes particularly suitable for complex topics?
Sketchnotes reduce content to key statements and make relationships visible. This allows even complicated issues to be grasped more quickly and presented in a more structured way.
Do you need to be good at drawing to work with sketchnotes?
No. Sketchnoting is not about perfect drawings, but about understandable visualization. Even simple symbols, arrows, or stick figures are enough to capture content effectively.
Updated on 05/08/2026
