Explanatory film, graphic recording, or big picture?

Companies often face the same challenge: How can complex topics be explained in an understandable way? Whether it's strategy, transformation, processes, or new business models, visual formats can help make connections tangible and create a common understanding. The most common visualization formats include: • Explanatory films • Graphic recording • Strategic explanatory images such as big pictures All three formats work with visualization – but they pursue different goals and are suitable for different situations. The following overview shows when each format can be used to particular advantage.

Graphic recording involves visualizing content live during an event. An illustrator spontaneously summarizes discussions, presentations, or workshops in a large drawing. Typical characteristics • Created live during an event • Content is drawn in parallel with the discussion • The result is a visual documentation of the event Strengths • High wow factor at events • Discussions are made visible • Creates attention in the room • Supports workshops and conferences Limitations • Content is created spontaneously and can only be planned to a limited extent • Structure results from the course of the event • Complex overall contexts are difficult to represent • Long-term use is often limited Typical areas of application • Conferences • Workshops • Events • Visual documentation of discussions

A big picture is a large, strategically developed illustration that depicts a topic as a complete system. Instead of presenting content step by step, connections, interactions, and perspectives become visible at the same time. This creates a common understanding of complex topics. Typical characteristics • A large image with many interconnected scenes • Content can be explored freely • Suitable for presentations, workshops, and discussions Strengths • Complex relationships become understandable • Interactions become visible • Ideal for strategy, transformation, and processes • Supports dialogue and joint discussion • Can be used long-term (posters, presentations, workshops) Limitations • Requires careful content development • Larger formats require space • Less suitable for very short marketing messages Typical areas of application • Strategy communication • Change management • Internal communication • Workshops and training courses • Sales of complex solutions

Explanatory films and big pictures take different approaches. An explanatory film tells a story step by step. The viewer follows the sequence of the animation. A big picture shows an entire system at a glance. Connections, perspectives, and interactions become visible at the same time. This creates a common basis for discussion, which is particularly helpful when dealing with complex topics.

The choice of the appropriate format depends heavily on what is to be achieved.

When content needs to be conveyed in a concise and entertaining way: An explanatory film is particularly well suited to attracting attention and presenting content quickly. When discussions at events need to be made visible: Graphic recording can visually accompany workshops or conferences and document discussions. When complex topics need to be explained in an understandable way: Big pictures reveal their particular strength when it comes to topics such as: • Strategy • Transformation • Processes • Organizational development They make it clear how individual topics are connected—and create a common basis for discussion for teams and organizations.

Complex interrelationships pose many challenges, especially in companies. Strategies must be communicated clearly, changes must be explained, and teams need a common understanding of new processes and goals. Visualization can help to make the big picture visible. Big pictures combine content, perspectives, and interrelationships in a single image, enabling a shared view of complex topics.

If you want to explain complex topics such as strategy, transformation, or processes in an understandable way, big pictures can help to visualize connections and create a common understanding. In the next step, you can take a look at: • how a big picture is created • how companies use it in strategy or change projects • examples from practice

Companies often face the challenge of communicating complex content in an understandable way. Various visualization formats are used for this purpose, such as explanatory films, graphic recordings, or large strategic illustrations. While explanatory films are often used in marketing or for product communication, graphic recordings are mostly used in workshops or events. For strategic topics such as transformation, processes, or corporate visions, on the other hand, large-format visualizations, also known as big pictures or dialogue images, are often used. Such visualizations help teams understand contexts more quickly and develop a common view of complex topics.