TECHNIQUES

Data doodles

Doodles are simple drawings that represent our inner worlds. They express our daydreams, our ideas and all the random thoughts that cross our minds. Have you ever thought of doodling your data? This is a simple technique to help us reflect about and document our experiences of learning in a unique way.

Written by

Denisse Albornoz

Edited by

Gioel Gioacchino

Developed by

Stages:Data Analysis* Research Communication

Some of us take copious notes by nature when we are learning something new or observing something for research. In moments of data overflow in our research projects, we have found it useful to sit down with a bunch of colours and papers and turn our notes into doodles. There is something about drawing the different scenarios and characters that you have encountered that allows you to revisit the memories, but also to capture the impression those memories left on you. Those lasting images can hold key information about your research question(s).

What are we trying to understand about the community/group?

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned about research (and life!) so far, is that we need to create time and space for self-reflection. If we do not understand how our identities, experiences and positionalities influence our interpretations, we miss out on important nuances of the human experience. For example, we might miss out on how emotions that emerge also hold stories that might need more time and care to unfold, or how we may be perpetuating power relations, among many other considerations. Doodling is a way of creating space for reflection in our busy research agendas. Visualizing our notes may also highlight certain dynamics that were not necessarily apparent while we were experiencing them in the research/learning process.

Why is it important for the community’s/group development?

Doodling our data not only helps us to understand ourselves better, but it is also a more accessible format to share our thoughts and experiences with others. By allowing ourselves to experiment with drawing we can tap into other ways of knowing.

At what stage(s) of the research cycle is this method used?

Data analysis and research communication.

What do I need?

Paper, pen or pencil, colours, photos or videos (if appropriate)

How long does it take?

Set aside an afternoon for this.

Before getting started

Start by laying out a timeline and a setting: When and where does your story take place? - Decide if you want to tell the story in a linear way (you and your interviewee having a conversation) or if you also want to include stories told by your interviewee in your timeline (include flashbacks and memories)
Identify the characters of your story: Who are they? How old are they? Where are they from? Where do they live? What is their gender, ethnicity, race? What is their family history? Does this matter? Once you are done with this, repeat all these questions for your character. Did these characteristics affect your interactions at all?
Decide on key points of your story: What are the episodes of the story you want to highlight? Why did they stand out for you? In what ways are they relevant to your research question?
Decide on the medium you want to use for your storyboard: Do you want to use paper? Make a collage? Use colours or keep it black and white? Make sure you justify these creative choices - can you use visuals to represent ideas, emotions, times, etc? Do you have images and videos about the people and places mentioned in your interviews?'

Build your storyboard

Make frames for each scene;
Use a combination of images and text: Decide what you can illustrate through images, and what you need to add text for;
Use different symbols to illustrate speech, thoughts, emotions, expressions, etc.

What are the benefits of using this technique?

It will help you document and communicate your data collection process;
It will help you reflect on how identity and positionality (age, gender, ethnicity, nationality, etc.) influence your interpretation of the data;
It will help you make connections between abstract ideas, thoughts, emotions, images, and lived experiences in your community;
It will allow you to find interesting, appealing and creative ways to share your ideas with others.

What are the challenges of using this technique?

Drawing and storytelling can be challenging – If you do not feel comfortable with drawing, this technique may be frustrating. However, keep in mind it is a good opportunity for reflection. Don’t worry about being a great artist! Notice if some ideas were harder to illustrate than others? Why? What can I do to explain this idea more clearly?
It can be time consuming so make sure you set sufficient time aside for this activity. Unless you are using comics to present your research in public, there is no need to be a perfectionist. This is an exercise for you to reflect on how you imagine yourself, the community you are working in and your relationship with others.

You can use this to visualize interviews, survey, field notes, etc.
But you might also use it to help find the concept, or metaphor, that will guide your creation process. For example, following our learning series with grassroots legal empowerment organizations on how they understand gender justice, especially when applied to resolving cases of environmental, land and climate justice – we decided to do a painting exercise. A number of images showed up in the painting including images of water, nature and intertwined lines. After looking at this we decided that the concept and title of the publication would be Braided Justice as the whole purpose was to weave together across multiple themes and sectors to more holistically guide grassroots organizations.

Tips and Traps:

Do this away from your electronic devices (computer, phone, etc).
Let your creativity flow! If you decide you want to tweak your original plan, go for it! It’s part of figuring out your process.
Have fun! This is not about making the perfect comic book, but about getting in touch with your creativity and your community.

Toby Morris’ illustration for The Wireless – Great example of how comics can illustrate and make accessible complex concepts about identity and privilege
Onda Politica – Visualizing the research map.
Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art – Great resource to understand the value of comics for communication in our day and age.
Menstrupedia: Challenging Taboos about Menstruation in India