SketchTheDocs: visual storytelling for tech

65% of us are visual learners. A third are visual-spatial learners. We absorb information from visual cues (illustrations, colors, fonts, composition) and can recall it more easily. And we benefit from seeing “the big picture” before diving into details. However, traditional learning – including tech documentation – tends to be text-heavy and emphasize sequential progress.

SketchTheDocs is an initiative Nitya began in 2020 that explored the value of visual storytelling in various contexts – from visual guides (poster-sized summarization of topics) to visual puzzles (game-based learning of terminology) and workshops (sketchnoting as a skill).

In this talk from DevRelCon 2021, Nitya shares several experiments conducted in 2021 that showcase the value of this approach and talk about the two key challenges (accessibility and automation) that she hopes to explore next.