Visual work
Start with a note, explain with a drawing, compare in a table or explore a mind map. Let the same work support different forms of expression.
Express your thinking with sticky notes, rich text, shapes, pen strokes and connections. Leave a short explanation, then develop it with text, links and supporting content. Colours, labels and groups make the work easier to read.
You do not have to complete a record schema before expressing an idea. Begin freely and move towards a more structured form when you need one.
Explore alternatives in a mind map, compare options in a table and show responsibilities in an organisation chart. Documents, code blocks, story maps and other structures can be part of the work on the same board.
Edit composite content in focus view. Go straight into the relevant structure, then return to the shared context when you finish.
Keep the board readable with alignment, grouping, frames and connected structures. Move related objects together or fold a substructure to reduce detail. Visual form remains distinct from what a comment or relationship means.
EXAMPLE ACTIVITY
A product team is gathering ideas for a new service. Some suggestions are short; others need explanation and relationships.
Everyone writes their idea as a sticky note or short text without being forced into an early category.
Connect complementary ideas and ideas addressing the same problem with lines and groups.
Develop one option in a mind map and compare the main differences in a table.
Use frames to distinguish topics and help the team see which need each idea addresses.
A board the team can read together, developing the thinking without losing its first expression.
WHAT REMAINS?
Notes, text and visuals that can be read together
Focus view for detailed structures
Work organised around topics and relationships
YOUR QUESTIONS
No. Start with free-form notes and drawings, then add structure and meaning later.
No. Canvas editing support depends on the device and input method. The mobile participation surface and full board editing are different experiences.
Bring ideas, records and decisions into the same context.
