whiteboarding

A whiteboard is a smooth, non-porous surface used for writing with dry-erase markers. It is common in classrooms, meeting rooms, and studios, where ideas are sketched and discussed in real time. Writing can be quickly erased to revise concepts, making whiteboards well suited for brainstorming, teaching, planning, and design work.

Physical whiteboards vary by material and size. Surfaces are often porcelain-enameled steel or painted steel, sometimes melamine. Some boards are magnetic and can hold notes with magnets. Common accessories include dry-erase markers in multiple colors, erasers, and microfiber cloths. Portable models exist for flexible spaces.

Whiteboarding rose to prominence as a practical, reusable alternative to chalkboards, aided by the advent of dry-erase markers. It emphasizes visual, iterative communication and collaborative participation during problem solving, presentations, and agile development activities.

Digital whiteboarding refers to software tools that simulate the whiteboard for remote collaboration. Features often include real-time drawing, sticky notes, templates, and integration with other apps. Digital boards support distributed teams, recordkeeping, and asynchronous work in brainstorming sessions, workshops, and design sprints.

Best practices include structuring content with a clear starting point, writing legibly, using color to categorize ideas, and leaving space for changes. Regularly erasing or exporting work prevents ghosting and preserves readability. In live sessions, ensure accessibility, capture the board before editing, and rotate participants to encourage involvement.