top of page

Drawing together

The purpose of Drawing Together is to help people express and explore ideas, emotions, and patterns that are hard to articulate with words. It’s especially useful when:
  • Logical thinking has reached its limit, and fresh perspectives are needed.
  • Hidden knowledge—like feelings, attitudes, or subtle dynamics—needs to surface.
  • Participants are tired or stuck, and a playful, visual approach can re-energize them.
  • Stories of transformation can be shared using simple, universal symbols.
  • New voices and ideas are encouraged to emerge, especially from those who may not usually speak up.
By shifting away from verbal and written communication, Drawing Together opens up new pathways for creativity, insight, and collective understanding

  • Time needed

    40 minutes

  • Preparation

    1. Online
      • Prepare Miro Board
      • Prepare split into smaller groups (2-4 people)
    2. Offline
      • Prepare colorful markers and flip charts for each group
      • Split into smaller groups (in pairs and foursomes) 

  • How to start

    1. Invite participants to tell a story about a challenge they face, or a common challenge, using only five symbols and no words

  • Step-by-step and timing

    1. Introduce the idea of drawing together by drawing and describing the meaning of each symbol (see attachment) (5 min)
      • Circle = wholeness;
      • Rectangle = support;
      • Triangle = goal;
      • Spiral = change;
      • Star person [equidistant cross] = relationship
    2. Ask participants to practice drawing the five symbols (5 min)
    3. Invite participants to combine the symbols to create the first draft of a story (working individually and without words) - about “the journey” of working on a challenge or an innovation (10 min)
    4. Invite participants to create a second draft, in which they refine their story with the size, placement, and color of the symbols (10 min)
    5. Ask participants to invite another person or group to interpret their drawings. The person who has done the drawing does not speak (5 min)
    6. Ask the whole group, “Together, what do the drawings reveal?” Use 1-2-4-All with larger groups. 5 min.

  • Hints

    1. Draw or present an example of a story that helps others make a leap of understanding
    2. Remind participants that the drawing is not the object by saying, “Refined drawing skills are not required—get over your need for perfection! Childlike drawing looks playful and captures the imagination of others!”
    3. Don’t help too much with drawing skills

  • Examples of use

    1. Tap all the sources of knowledge for innovation (explicit, tacit, latent/emergent)
    2. Develop and deepen shared understanding of a vision or complex dynamics
    3. Create closer connections among group members

  • Link with other Liberating Structures

    Use together with:

    1-2-4-All

  • Link to Liberating Structures page

    Drawing together

bottom of page