How to Stimulate Doodling

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Permalink Reply by Beth Alexander on September 15, 2009 at 3:56pm

Originally posted by Jennifer Landau - Sep 17, 2008 in the Old Community Space:

Some cannot think or speak without movement or a visual, right? Doodling as a sensory trigger takes some into deeper thought, perhaps even into spacing out....but for others it is interfering, edgy "noise."

My hunch is that part of the power of the Café is the opportunity for the balance of this audio - visual-kinesthetic - spatial sensory engagement. Each finds her own, yes?

In the past I have played with "seeding" the table graphics with words and images. Not sure it helped. In fact, sometimes when a "professional" looking image is present, people feel self-conscious to build on it or add their own.

My thought is to trust to the invitation. Let people know that you hope to glean content from the table graphics. Seed intention but not requirement.

You might also explore an explicit harvest from the doodling as part of the "popping up" of themes when working as a whole group. Drop letter-size paper or note cards on the tables, and ask people to transfer a useful image / doodle. Tape them up on the graphic recording, as part of the group memory, with people speaking to the ideas they represent. Never have tried it in a Café, but doing so in other processes has been worthwhile.

Jen

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Permalink Reply by Beth Alexander on September 15, 2009 at 3:57pm

Originally posted by kenoli - Sep 17, 2008 in the Old Community Space:

I haven't been able to figure out why some groups doodle more than others. I have suspected it is in the culture of the groups, though perhaps it has something to do with the way the event is introduced or designed. I haven't been able to figure it out. I think it does help to make sure that the tables are set up with markers or other doodling implements that are easy to use and attractive to use. making sure there is enough time for each table discussion helps, as well.

We just did a cafe with a group of college students and they produced the most beautiful table cloths I have ever seen.

When we want specific information from groups, we ask them to write it on post-its and hold them up in the air. We then go around and collect the post-its and put them on the walls, sometimes by category as indicated on the post-it. We usually follow up with a session where the group gathers around the walls and organizes the post-its in a way that develops meaning from the collection of data. This can also be a way of identifying action teams which can then meet and decide on next steps.

--Kenoli

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Permalink Reply by Beth Alexander on September 15, 2009 at 3:59pm

Originally posted by JMH0we - Sep 17, 2008 in the Old Community Space:

I ask participants to sign in -- with their signature and/or a simple icon or drawing that represents them. This seems to break the Ice on the blank sheet of paper.

Jane

Jane McMullan Howe, M.S. ACC

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Permalink Reply by Beth Alexander on September 15, 2009 at 4:00pm

Originally posted by Nancy Margulies - Sep 17, 2008 in the Old Community Space:

Asking people to draw on a half sheet of paper or large index card
including an image and a phrase to caption it is one way to stimulate
"doodling" Another is to have a circle drawn in the middle of the
table paper before participants sit down and ask them to draw a
symbol of themselves or the topic in the center before beginning the
cafe. This is something I learned from Ken Homer. It sort of breaks
the ice and gets people using the colored pens. That center can be a
place they draw or write key ideas that they want to emphasize for
the next people who will sit there.

I sometimes show people a few simple symbols that can be used to
represent conversation, people, ideas, etc. and because these are
very simple drawings people feel more open to try them. Not everyone
is comfortable doing so, but many are.

Nancy

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Permalink Reply by Beth Alexander on September 15, 2009 at 4:00pm

Originally posted by Loretta - Sep 17, 2008 in the Old Community Space:

I model being graphical by drawing instructions and using my own pictures more than words on easel pads. This can include some wall charts that I do in advance and post around the room. Although graphical facilitation can enhance TWC, I try to keep the work going on out of the line of vision of the participants since the high quality art work tends to make them feel unskilled so they shy away from doodling.

Loretta

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Permalink Reply by Beth Alexander on September 15, 2009 at 4:01pm

Originally posted by Candee - Sep 17, 2008 in the Old Community Space:

Speaking of doodling and patterns.....

Here’s something I do to invite people to ‘move into’ doodling or drawing images. I suspect it creates a bridge (of sorts) to the other side - the visual/abstract/relational/listening/making sense of things side.

Lay out on a table or on several tables – fabric squares with a variety of colors, patterns and textures. I use fabric from a quilter so most are cut in 4 x 4 “ squares. Add to the mix cutouts from magazines – I include cutouts with a few words but mostly with lots of abstract images (art magazines are the best). Ask people to gather around the table and choose 2-3 pieces that represent something – as in who they are, their gifts, their experiences, their reason for being there, or what ever leads into the conversation you are hosting. Then, ask everyone to share their selection and talk about the meaning behind their choices.

This ‘method’ originated from a personal experiment to uncover or make visible the ‘patterns’ of my life experiences. Later, those found, visible patterns evolved into paintings and collages. I’d never painted before, which speaks to how the process created, for me at least, an opening and a freedom to move off the norm.

As it turns out, at least a few other folks find it meaningful also. In fact, I’ve been amazed at the response and the number of people who turn to me and ask, “Can I keep these?” (referring to the fabric and images they’d selected.)


Candee Basford

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Permalink Reply by Franis Engel on June 6, 2010 at 3:37am

Thanks for this compilation you've been doing!

Yes - I second the activity of collage as being a "transition" activity that Candee has put forward. People who believe they "can't draw" can assemble pictures really easily and add words to their concoctions. It doesn't take much time to do and is a fun thing to mess with while other conversations are going on.

The "Island" game is fun. Propose that the group is going to create a society, after having landed on a new world. You may bring anything to the world by drawing it, unlike earth where thoughts do not create things.

Then pull out a new sheet of paper and make a new stipulation. Now, you're limited to bringing things by knowledge. That is, if you know how to forge a hammer, you can draw a hammer; if you know how to make all of the components of a machine, you may bring these raw materials.

Then you're limited only by weight... Now how would that influence your choices of what to bring?

It gets people thinking and drawing... Also it reveals talents and interests that people happen to know about connected to foundation skills and survival. It also relates to ecology, opinions that others have about what you're bringing to the new world, etc. etc.

- Just a suggestion.

If you don't prefer that game, the field of art therapy may give you some more ideas. Go find books on the subject that have practical exercises.

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