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 conversations, presentations, or workshops in a large drawing. Typical characteristics • Created live during an event • Content is drawn in real time as the discussion unfolds • The result is a visual record of the event Strengths • High “wow” factor at events • Discussions are made visible • Captures the audience’s attention • Supports workshops and conferences Limitations • Content is created spontaneously and can only be planned to a limited extent • Structure emerges from the course of the event • Complex overall contexts are difficult to represent • Long-term use is often limited Typical applications • Conferences • Workshops • Events • Visual documentation of discussions

A Big Picture is a large, strategically designed illustration that depicts a topic as a holistic system. Instead of presenting content step by step, connections, interactions, and perspectives become visible all at once. This fosters a shared understanding of complex topics. Typical characteristics • a large image with many interconnected scenes • content can be freely explored • suitable for presentations, workshops, and discussions Strengths • complex relationships become understandable • interactions become visible • ideal for strategy, transformation, and processes • supports dialogue and collaborative discussion • usable long-term (posters, presentations, workshops) Limitations • Requires careful content development • Larger formats require space • Less suitable for very short marketing messages Typical Applications • Strategy communication • Change management • Internal communication • Workshops and training sessions • 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 you want to convey content in a concise and entertaining way: An explanatory video is particularly well-suited for capturing attention and presenting content quickly. When you want to visualize discussions at events: Graphic recording can visually accompany workshops or conferences and document discussions. When complex topics need to be explained in an understandable way For topics such as

• Strategy • Transformation • Processes • Organizational Development

This is where Big Pictures really shine. They highlight how individual topics are interconnected—and provide a common ground for discussion among teams and organizations.

In businesses in particular, complex interrelationships give rise to many challenges. Strategies must be communicated clearly, changes must be explained, and teams need a shared understanding of new processes and goals. Visualization can help make the big picture clear. Big Pictures bring together content, perspectives, and interrelationships in a single image—enabling a shared view of complex topics.

If you want to explain complex topics like strategy, transformation, or processes in a way that’s easy to understand, Big Pictures can help make connections clear and foster a shared understanding. Next, you can explore: 👉 how a Big Picture is created 👉 how companies use it in strategy or change projects 👉 what real-world examples are available

Companies often face the challenge of conveying complex content in an understandable way. To do this, they use various visualization formats, such as explainer videos, graphic recording, or large-scale strategic illustrations. While explainer videos are frequently used in marketing or for product communication, graphic recordings are typically employed during workshops or events. For strategic topics such as transformation, processes, or corporate visions, however, large-format visualizations—also known as big pictures, learning maps, or strategy maps—are often used. Such visualizations help teams understand relationships more quickly and develop a shared perspective on complex topics.