The Science behind Piccles
Drawing might seem like a simple activity, but it's actually a powerful tool for expressing yourself, improving concentration, and sparking creativity. Think of it as an exercise for your brain, where each stroke helps you unlock cognitive benefits. Let's explore how something as simple as doodling can bring joy and connection into our lives through Piccles.
Drawing is more than just a pastime; it's a subtle yet effective way to enhance brain function. Studies indicate that doodling while multitasking, like during a phone call or a lecture, can significantly improve focus. This process uniquely engages your brain, combining visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning.
Surprisingly, doodlers retain nearly 30% more information than those who only take notes. This means your casual sketches might be unlocking a deeper level of cognitive processing.
Boosting Concentration
and Memory
Drawing as a Form of Communication
Doodling has deep roots in our history. Our ancestors expressed themselves through drawings long before the development of spoken language.
For example, early human sites like the Blombos Cave in South Africa reveal geometric drawings that represent early forms of symbolic communication. These sketches were more than just art; they were the foundation of complex cognitive processes.
Today, drawing remains a powerful tool for expressing thoughts and emotions, serving as a visual language that complements our spoken words.
Drawing for Mental Wellness
Doodling can also be a form of mental relaxation, similar to meditation. In today's fast-paced world, drawing offers a moment of calm. Research shows that doodling can reduce stress levels, with the repetitive motion having a soothing, meditative effect. This has been particularly beneficial in therapeutic settings, such as for cancer patients, highlighting the power of doodling as a tool for mental self-care.
Understanding the science
behind drawing
Doodling is more than just a way to keep your hands occupied; it's a proven method for enhancing focus. Research featured in Inc. Magazine suggests that doodling can help people stay engaged and understand new concepts more effectively. It functions as a cognitive aid, assisting in organizing thoughts and navigating stressful situations. By drawing, you activate parts of your brain involved in processing information and solving problems, effectively turning those casual sketches into tools for better focus and clearer thinking.
Enhancing Focus and Problem-Solving
Doodling also serves as a mood enhancer and stress reducer. A study in The Arts in Psychotherapy shows that doodling increases blood flow to the brain's frontal cortex, associated with pleasure and well-being. This activity has been scientifically proven to lower cortisol levels, the body's primary stress hormone. Remarkably, 75% of participants in art-related activities, including those without innate artistic talent, reported lower stress levels, highlighting doodling's effectiveness as a stress-relief tool.
Boosting mood and reducing stress
A fascinating aspect of doodling is its impact on memory. A 2011 study found that doodling can lead to a 29% increase in recall ability. This suggests that doodling aids the brain's 'default network', enhancing attention and memory retention. It's as if your casual sketches during a meeting or lecture can significantly boost your ability to remember important details.
Improve Memory Recall
Doodling is a gateway to creativity. Sunni Brown, cited by Fast Company as one of the "100 Most Creative People in Business," argues in "The Doodle Revolution" that doodling is essential for innovative thinking. Doodling isn't just about creating art; it's about activating a part of your brain that excels in thinking divergently, solving problems creatively, and generating new ideas. As Mark Parker, the former CEO of Nike, pointed out, doodling can clarify and enhance brainstorming, opening up new avenues for creative exploration.
Expanding Creativity
It is such a fun and satisfying product and really does bring people together.
Barbara Palmer
Deputy Editor, Convene Magazine
PCMA
Piccles' Own Research
In today's data-driven world, Piccles made a significant leap forward in 2021 by blending the qualitative with the quantitative. In partnership with RE-AK Technologies, a leader in AI and biometric analysis, Piccles set out to numerically capture the emotional resonance of their platform. This endeavor was more than mere research; it was a commitment to empirically substantiate the joy and engagement that users have anecdotally celebrated, with concrete data.
RE-AK, situated in the dynamic Palais de congrès de Montréal Event Lab, employed advanced technology to detect subtle shifts in facial expressions and eye movements, thus quantifying emotional responses. This pursuit culminated in a clear visualization of Piccles’ impact on emotional engagement, as shown in the chart below.
The term amplitude here describes the intensity or power of an emotional response, as indicated by physiological cues. It’s a crucial metric because it quantifies not just the occurrence but also the strength of emotional reactions.
In the context of Piccles, high amplitude responses are indicative of more than transient expressions of happiness; they signal a profound engagement, hinting at an enriching and memorable user experience.
Piccles significantly outperformed the baseline and even the engagement levels of a typical conference speaker in terms of emotional response. This robust engagement underscores Piccles' capacity to foster a deeper connection, enhancing any virtual event with a palpable sense of community and joy.
This innovative approach to measuring emotional impact translates the ephemeral nuances of human emotion into a tangible dataset. It provides a comprehensive understanding of Piccles' potential to not just elicit a reaction, but to create a resonant experience that deeply affects user experience, setting Piccles apart as a tool that doesn't just entertain, but genuinely connects and uplifts its users.
Creative Response Surveying for Foresight Research
Creative Response Surveying as part of foresight activity can address barriers such as fear, resistance, lack of diversity, and groupthink that naturally occur during conversations about new ideas and change. Using the participatory drawing tool, Piccles, researchers found a novel way for adults, children, artists and non-artists, to express themselves through drawing, where individual pictures work together with others to reveal larger patterns. This method has been shown to yield unique qualitative data that uncovers truths that previously went unspoken and could be a useful activity for foresight processes like Causal Layered Analysis.
Click to read the whole article in the Journal of Futures Studies.
TL;DR
Drawing, often overlooked as a trivial pastime, actually harbors significant cognitive and emotional benefits. It's a practice that enhances memory, increases focus, encourages creativity, and alleviates stress. Piccles leverages these advantages, offering an intuitive and interactive platform. It transforms doodling into a practical tool for personal development, educational enhancement, and business growth.
Give it a try – doodle your way to discovering hidden potentials, connecting with others, and experiencing the simple joy of creation. Remember, in every scribble and sketch, there's a world of possibility waiting to be unlocked.
