Objectives: To provide participants an introduction to visual-storytelling approaches and tools which can be used to improve evidence translation and use.

Description: Evidence generators often present information in long, academic papers or reports that put even the staunchest supporter to sleep. The ability to tell a compelling story about evidence is key to how consumers of information engage with and assimilate information. Our innate love of stories and their ability to cut through barriers, makes them a highly effective way to communicate the information.
Visual techniques can also help to summarise and draw attention to key story elements. Creating visual content incorporates the use of infographics, data visualisation, graphic design with strategic communication or narrative. This ensures that that the consumer of evidence, not only engages with the information but also remembers it. Creative ways of incorporating visual content allows evaluators to create mental stamps of critical points in your ‘story’.
The workshop will include presentation of approaches to visual story-telling, as well as practical exercises with basic tools. All participants are to bring a laptop (and those unable to do so may share). The following themes will be covered during the workshop:
1) Conceptualising flow
2) Icons to draw attention to core issues
30 Maps to present spatial information
4) Timelines to highlight key initiative events
5) Photographic overlays