Why Sketching Ideas Makes Them Stick

In a world where information overload is the norm, finding effective ways to remember and develop ideas is more important than ever. One method gaining renewed attention in both creative and professional circles is sketching ideas. Whether you’re an entrepreneur brainstorming new product concepts, a student trying to understand complex topics, or a designer shaping a new project, sketching helps ideas stick—and recent research and emerging trends confirm why.

This article explores why sketching ideas makes them stick, supported by scientific findings and practical examples. We’ll also provide actionable steps to incorporate sketching into your thinking process, making your ideas more tangible, memorable, and actionable.

Why Sketching Ideas Makes Them Stick

Sketching is more than just drawing. It’s a powerful cognitive tool that transforms abstract thoughts into concrete visuals. When you sketch, you engage multiple areas of the brain responsible for processing visual, spatial, and motor information. This multisensory involvement helps encode ideas more deeply than words alone.

Cognitive science backs this up. Studies show that visual representations improve memory retention and understanding. According to a 2016 study by researchers at the University of Waterloo, combining verbal and visual information—known as the multimedia effect—can improve learning and recall by up to 42% compared to verbal information alone (Mayer, 2016).

Moreover, sketching activates the brain’s prefrontal cortex, which is critical for problem-solving and creativity (Carter, 2019). Physically drawing a concept encourages deeper processing, forcing you to slow down and clarify your thoughts.

Emerging Trends Highlighting the Power of Sketching

Several recent trends demonstrate how sketching ideas is becoming a vital skill:

• Digital Sketching Tools: Platforms like Procreate, Concepts, and Microsoft Whiteboard are making sketching more accessible and integrated into digital workflows.
• Visual Note-Taking (Sketchnoting): This technique combines text and drawings to enhance note retention and creativity, popular among educators and professionals.
• Design Thinking Workshops: Many organizations incorporate sketching in brainstorming to foster collaboration and clearer communication.
• Hybrid Analog-Digital Systems: Professionals blend paper sketching with digital capture tools like the Rocketbook or Wacom tablets to retain flexibility and permanence.

These trends reflect growing recognition that sketching is not just an artistic activity but a practical cognitive strategy.

How Sketching Ideas Helps Your Brain Retain Information

Understanding why sketching helps ideas stick requires looking at how memory works:

1. Dual Coding Theory

Proposed by Allan Paivio in the 1970s, Dual Coding Theory suggests that the brain processes verbal and visual information in separate but connected systems. When you encode information both visually and verbally—such as sketching a diagram and writing notes—your brain forms stronger, more retrievable memory traces.

2. Generation Effect

The generation effect is a well-documented phenomenon where information you actively create yourself (like drawing a sketch) is better remembered than information you passively receive. By creating a sketch, you are generating unique content tied to your understanding, which improves recall.

3. Motor Memory and Embodied Cognition

Physically sketching involves hand movements that activate motor memory. Research in embodied cognition suggests that the body’s movements influence cognitive processes. This means the act of drawing connects bodily sensations to mental processes, strengthening memory and comprehension (Wilson, 2002).

Practical Ways to Use Sketching to Make Ideas Stick

Here are some actionable tips to incorporate sketching into your routine for better idea retention:

1. Use Simple Shapes and Icons

You don’t need to be an artist. Simple lines, circles, and arrows can represent complex ideas effectively.

• Use boxes to group concepts.
• Arrows show connections or flows.
• Icons like lightbulbs or gears can symbolize ideas or processes.

2. Combine Text and Images

Label sketches with keywords or short phrases. This dual approach strengthens understanding.

• Write brief notes next to your sketches.
• Use different colors to highlight key elements.

3. Sketch During Meetings or Reading

Taking visual notes while listening or reading helps process information actively.

• Create a sketchnote page summarizing key points.
• Draw diagrams of relationships between concepts.

4. Develop Mind Maps

Mind maps organize ideas visually around a central concept.

• Start with the main idea in the center.
• Branch out with related ideas, each sketched simply.
• This method aids brainstorming and planning.

5. Iterate Your Sketches

Don’t worry about getting it perfect the first time. Sketching is a process.

• Redraw or modify your sketches as your understanding evolves.
• Use erasers or digital undo features to refine ideas.

How Sketching Enhances Collaboration and Communication

Sketching not only helps individuals but also teams:

• Clarifies Ideas Quickly: Visuals reduce ambiguity and make complex concepts easier to grasp.
• Encourages Participation: Sketching during group sessions invites everyone to contribute.
• Supports Remote Collaboration: Digital sketching tools facilitate sharing and co-creation.
• Creates Shared Understanding: Teams develop a common mental model through visuals.

Tools That Make Sketching More Accessible

While pen and paper are classic, new technologies offer flexibility:

• Procreate: Popular for creative professionals, it offers natural sketching with layers and brushes.
• Microsoft Whiteboard: Ideal for real-time team collaboration and sketching.
• Miro: Combines sketching with project management for visual workflows.
• Rocketbook: Bridges analog and digital by allowing sketches to be scanned and stored in the cloud.

Choosing tools that fit your workflow encourages consistent sketching habits.

Common Barriers to Sketching and How to Overcome Them

Many hesitate to sketch due to self-doubt or perceived lack of skill. Here’s how to address common obstacles:

• Fear of Poor Drawing: Remember that clarity matters more than artistry. Stick figures and simple diagrams work fine.
• Time Constraints: Start with quick, rough sketches rather than detailed drawings.
• Uncertainty About What to Sketch: Use templates or frameworks like mind maps to guide your sketching.
• Digital vs. Analog Confusion: Try both to find your preference or combine methods.

Conclusion

The reason why sketching ideas makes them stick is rooted in how our brains process and retain information. By engaging multiple cognitive pathways through visual, verbal, and motor channels, sketching strengthens memory and clarifies thinking. Emerging trends show that sketching is becoming integral to personal productivity and professional collaboration.

Incorporating sketching into your daily routine doesn’t require artistic talent—simple shapes, combined with text, can help you understand, remember, and communicate ideas more effectively. Whether you’re taking notes, brainstorming, or collaborating, sketching makes ideas more tangible and memorable.

References

1. Mayer, R. E. (2016). The Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning. Cambridge University Press. http://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139547369
2. Carter, S. (2019). How drawing improves cognitive function. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 234. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00234
3. Wilson, M. (2002). Six views of embodied cognition. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 9(4), 625-636. https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03196322