Digital Recording: Yes or No?

I used to be very-very skeptical about digital recording. I thought it was less engaging, too distracting, and overall less impactful.

BUT - here comes the BUT in capital letters - my recent experiences with digital graphic recording have completely changed my mind.

Let me explain why!

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Engagement

While digital recording might seem less engaging during breaks, it actually enhances engagement more during the session. Participants can see the development and highlights of the workshop in real-time, which keeps their attention focused on the content.

I received feedback from a participant who said it was the first time in a long while that she paid full attention to a workshop. Whenever she felt she needed stimulation, she followed my live recording process, which kept her engaged.

Productive Distraction

Yes, digital recording can be distracting, but people will get distracted anyway. Isn't it better if they get distracted by the content itself? Following the live recording process provides a form of constructive distraction that keeps them connected to the session. (Thank you @Alejo P. for the amazing perspective )

Impact

Well, this is just simply not true. The impact of digital graphic recording is just as strong as analog graphic recording. It delivers the same visual impact as drawing manually on paper. While it might be more stressful for the recorder—since mistakes and corrections are visible to attendees—it also adds a layer of authenticity and transparency to the process. It just works differently!

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What I learned is that it works best if:

• Keep the graphic recording projected on screens so participants can follow the content in real-time.

• Digital recording works best for shorter events or workshops, OR

• Each session or plenary should get a separate recording (unlike analog graphic recording where a large sheet of paper might be used for an entire morning or afternoon session.)

• Facilitators should encourage participants to follow the live recording.

• Keep the recording on the screen during coffee breaks as well. This maintains engagement and allows participants to review and discuss the content informally.
  

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Digital graphic recording is actually really impactful and highly effective when used correctly. By focusing on its strengths and understanding how to manage its challenges, you can transform your workshops and events into highly engaging and impactful experiences. So, if you're still on the fence about digital recording, give it a try with these tips in mind—you might just find yourself pleasantly surprised, as I was!

Take a look at this setting. Mind blowing!

The photo was taken in Mata during a conference for PURINA by Nestlé, and I drew live as part of the Illustrated Live team.