The Psychology of Doodling: How Sketching in Your Notebook Improves Learning

Backed by neuroscience and psychology — plus practical ways to use doodling in your notes today.

Sustained Focus Better Memory Creativity Actionable Tips

🧠 Doodling helps you stay focused

When tasks are long or monotonous, attention naturally drifts. Light doodling keeps the brain at an optimal arousal level, preventing mind-wandering. In a classic study (Andrade, 2009), participants who doodled while listening to a dull audio message recalled significantly more details than non-doodlers.

🧩 Sketches reinforce memory through Dual Coding

Pairing words with simple visuals (icons, arrows, shapes) engages both verbal and visual systems. This Dual Coding creates multiple retrieval paths, boosting recall during review. A tiny sun next to “solar energy,” or a lock beside “security,” can anchor concepts instantly.

💡 Doodling sparks creativity & connections

Repetitive patterns and quick sketches encourage divergent thinking. As you draw, your brain makes associations that text alone may miss, leading to fresh ideas and problem-solving insights.

🧰 How to use doodling in your notes (fast & effective)

Icon Library

• ⭐ = key idea, 💡 = insight, ❗ = caution
• 🔁 = process, 🔗 = connection, ⏱ = deadline
• Keep icons simple & repeatable

Mind-Map + Margins

• Central keyword → branches → tiny sketches
• Use margins for arrows, links, and cues
• One page = one topic

Color Coding

• Red = definitions, Blue = examples, Green = questions
• Underline with matching icons
• Limit to 2–3 colors per page

🧭 What to doodle in different situations

Situation	What to doodle	Why it helps
Lectures that drag	Simple shapes, arrows, progress bars	Prevents mind-wandering; keeps light engagement
Concept learning	Tiny icons next to key terms	Dual coding improves recall & recognition
Problem-solving	Flows, boxes, before/after sketches	Externalizes thinking; reveals structure
Brainstorming	Mind-map branches + quick symbols	Encourages associations and new angles

Keep it helpful, not distracting

• Stay simple: stick figures, arrows, icons (avoid detailed art)
• Time-box: 10–20 seconds per doodle, or after a paragraph
• Aim for ~5–10% of the page; the rest is text

Try this: 30-second Doodle Recap

1. Write 1–2 key points you just learned.
2. Add a tiny icon for each point.
3. Draw one arrow linking related ideas.

Bottom line — Doodling isn’t a distraction; it’s a lightweight tool for focus, memory, and creativity. Keep it simple and purposeful, and your notes will work harder for you.

🔎 References & Concepts

• Andrade, J. (2009). Doodling improves recall in a monitoring task.
• Dual Coding Theory — pairing verbal and visual codes aids memory.
• Related: attention/arousal regulation and mind-wandering research.