Dual Coding
Combine words and visuals to create multiple memory routes.
Explanation
Your brain processes words and images through different pathways, and when you combine both, you create multiple routes to the same information. This is why you easily remember faces but struggle with names—faces engage your visual system while names only use verbal processing. Using both channels gives you backup paths for retrieving memories.
Real-World Example
Learning anatomy: Just text = 40% retention. Text + diagrams = 80% retention. Programming: Code + flowcharts stick better than code alone. History: Dates + timeline visualization makes chronology obvious. That's why infographics go viral—dual coding.
How to Apply
For every concept, create a simple sketch. Doesn't need to be pretty—your brain doesn't care. Use mind maps for connections. Draw timelines for sequences. Sketch graphs for relationships. Turn lists into diagrams. Your notes should look like a comic book, not a novel.