How Everything Connects:
10 Years of Graphic Recording, One Step at a Time
Yesterday, I wrote a reflection post for the IFVP Circle about my past 10 years of work. As I looked back, I started seeing how the different projects and people I’ve met have gradually connected, even if I didn’t realize it at the time.
Not long ago, I attended a talk by Kwon Young-soo, former Vice Chairman of LG Energy Solution. Due to unexpected traffic control, I arrived late and missed most of the session. But I was fortunate to catch the final Q&A, where he shared insights on resilience and leadership, based on his 44 years of experience at LG.
“The secret to playing good golf is not carrying your mistakes to the next hole. Forget the past, and focus fully on the present.”
Kwon wasn’t speaking in theory — he had actually led LG Display from years of chronic losses to 1 trillion KRW in profit, and helped LG Chem become the global leader in EV batteries.
Between 2018 and 2020, I had worked on several projects with LG Chem and LG Uplus. That past experience made me feel an unexpected sense of familiarity while listening to his story. Originally, I had planned to graphic record the session live. But since I couldn’t make it on time, I later summarized the key message and conversations in a visual format and shared it with him. Thankfully, it was well received.
This reminded me once again of the power of graphic recording — not just as a live performance, but as a timeless archive that transcends the moment.
How Things Came Together
This event came about through an invitation from Director Kim Sung-jin, who I first met in 2018 at the OECD e-Leaders Forum. That was when graphic recording was introduced for the first time in an international conference in Korea, and we’ve collaborated on multiple projects ever since.
We’re currently planning the Gwanggyo QUANTUM Bio Summit together, and exploring how graphic recording can be used not just as decoration, but as a meaningful archiving and facilitation tool.
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ShE also introduced me to White Futures, a gathering led by his mentor, Professor Hwang Hye-jin — a linguist and former Director of International Affairs at Ewha Womans University. Her long-time research on MICE and the effectiveness of its services directly relates to our ongoing conversations about impact and innovation in that space.
Interestingly, my connection with Ewha goes back even further.
In 2014, I was listed as a research assistant when Professor Jung Chang-kwon conducted a study on validating K-12 education using system dynamics through the Eco-Creative Interdisciplinary Program.
Later, in 2022, I had the opportunity to meet Professor Choi Jae-chun, who was the head of that program at the time, during the DMZ Peace Forum.
And in 2024, I began working with Professor Cho Young-sik, director of Ewha’s Center for Convergent Design, and Dr. Song Jung-ah. Together, we’ve been exploring how visualization interacts with organizations, society, and AI.
Eventually, all these paths converged at White Futures — where I met Kwon Young-soo again through Professor Hwang’s invitation. It reminded me how every step I took, even the ones I questioned at the time, were quietly building a map of connections.
These overlapping encounters — with individuals, institutions, and ideas —
gradually shaped how I understand my role as a graphic recorder.
Over time, I found myself navigating different expectations and adapting my practice accordingly.
Three Types of Graphic Recorders (As I See It)
I don’t think graphic recording needs to follow a fixed format. Anyone can do it if they understand the need. But over time, I started noticing different types of expectations from clients. So I began organizing my approach into three broad categories:
- Graphic Recorder as Visual Designer
Clients want their event to look impressive. It’s about clean layout, balanced color, and an eye-catching finish. This is more performance-driven. - Graphic Recorder as Meaning Connector
This is about capturing content in real time and creating a map of connections. Visual harmony is secondary to content flow and comprehension.
Tech companies and design teams often value this type of recording. It aligns with practices like Art of Harvesting, Universal Design, Design Thinking, and Agile, where shared understanding is key. - Graphic Recorder as Facilitator
This type goes beyond recording — it involves guiding discussions, capturing divergent and convergent thinking, and structuring collective ideas.
This is what I’d call graphic facilitation, and David Sibbet’s work is a great example. Multiple recordings come together to form a shared map for organizational change.
I didn’t arrive at this classification overnight. Over the past decade, I’ve met with graphic recorders and facilitators from around the world, studied social science, engineering, and education literature, and tested these ideas in the field.
I started out with a researcher’s mindset. I was curious about how visual tools could support organizational development and change. I joined trainings, but I often felt something was missing. Some people told me to just start teaching visual thinking or graphic recording right away — but I couldn’t.
I needed to understand the structure, the purpose, and the value behind it all before I could explain it to others. So I took the longer path.
Looking back now, I don’t regret that. Because somehow, all those steps led here.
