Author: Karen W.
The Doodle Revolution. As far as revolutions go, I like the name of this one. It reminds me of Yankee Doodle – remember him, that icon of pre-revolutionary America who went to town on a pony? “Doodle” invokes memories of Connecticut, my home state, whose official anthem is the classic song, “Yankee Doodle.”
But today I’m talking about another kind of revolution – the Doodle Revolution.
The word “doodle” derives from the Low German word for simpleton or fool (sorry Yankee Doodle, but the British were mocking you). Doodling of the paper and ink variety, like Ol’ Yankee, has also received little respect. The most common dictionary definition is a drawing made absentmindedly – a.k.a a mindless activity. This official definition conjures up the image of someone zoning out, not paying attention to the matter at hand; not exactly the image that most people would have of someone actively engaged in problem solving. But a revolution has begun to change that perception.
One of the soldiers leading the charge is Sunni Brown, founder of the Austin-based consultancy, SB Ink. SB Ink offers doodling workshops. Brown sees doodling as a valuable tool in problem-solving, memory retention, and activity engagement. She’s quite passionate about the subject matter, and the revolution seems to be spreading. Her clients include major retailers and media companies who see the value in mastering whatever techniques they can that will boost creativity and active engagement.
While doodling doesn’t work for all tasks, there is research to support the fact that doodling is invaluable to expressing emotion and creativity. It provides an alternative route to learning and can actually help keep you from spacing out. Researchers suspect that doodling helps keep the brain active by engaging regions within the cerebral cortex.
“Info-doodling” creates a visual language whose power has been largely underestimated and untapped in today’s tech culture. The Lancet Study conducted in 2001 found that people who were encouraged to doodle while listening to names being read remembered close to 30% more information on a surprise quiz afterwards.
Perhaps that student doodling his way through a lecture is on to something…
Watch this segment from CBS Sunday Morning to learn more about Sunni Brown and the higher purpose of doodling, or pick up a copy of her popular book, The Doodle Revolution: Unlock the Power to Think Differently.