• Accuracy : retrieving the Group's original input, without "doctoring" or manipulation
• Clarity : for readability and authenticity, reproducing all working (particularly carding), cleanly & clearly
• Speed : delivering as soon as practicable, to reinforce the lessons learned before they are forgotton, i.e. observing the critical learning intervals (1 hour; 1 day; 1 week; 1 month) to "fix" the message in long-term memory
• Cost-effectiveness : achieving this economically, in relation to the benefits derived

The challenge to date has been how to achieve this without detracting from the simplicity and low-tech appeal of the Pinpoint Facilitation™ Process, or having to invest in expensive equipment and processing. However, with computerisation, you can now communicate the difference Pinpoint Facilitation™ makes, quickly, creatively and effectively.

For general applications:-

• Photographing every Pinboard on its completion ensures accuracy & clarity - and provides credible feedback.
• However, you need reasonable size of output and good resolution for legibility; for the average Pinboard, A6 photos (or larger) will be readable for most groups' writing.
• For detail and resolution, even a basic conventional 35mm camera will beat most digital cameras - but with digital cameras you can record action and download immediately to computers, for printer output. Files can also be manipulated easily at minimal extra cost.

If you choose a 35mm camera, indoor settings are best achieved using good quality, fast-speed film (up to 1000ASA). When developed, this can be scanned and output to printer, though this can take time and lose spontaneity.

So, the trade-off is quality v. speed & convenience:-

• traditional 35mm cameras deliver better quality, but film negatives need processing which, for most of us, means outsourcing; however, 1-hour processing is widely available and many outlets will now transfer files to CDROM
• Digital cameras, though, deliver acceptable results instantly for the majority of applications - and are excellent for "Group-in-action" shots, which can be shown immediately on a TV screen or computer monitor

Choosing a digital camera for recording Pinpoint Facilitation™ sessions

This is largely a question of balance between resolution, output, budget and personal/brand preference. Some guidelines which might help you reach the right decision:-

• Resolution : 3 megapixel cameras work fine, but technology has moved on and 5+ megapixel cameras are more widely available and reasonably priced. Check out specifications, etc. in the technical magazines, which run regular features on digital cameras and other computer hardware, which also carry advertisements from price-comparitive suppliers.
  Ensure that zoom and flash capabilities meet your requirements (see below). Also, for faster download, check that they have USB or better connections (if your computer has them, too).
• Output : when e-mailing, file size is everything. Most cameras produce pix in .jpg format @ 72dpi (which is the normal PC screen resolution) and 1280 x 1024 pix (a bit larger than Letter). This means a file size of approximately 0.5MB, which takes approx. a minute to download on a (56kbps) modem (though broadband cuts that down substantially).
  However, 72dpi produces fuzzy pictures, often illegible. To print out reasonably clearly, you need a resolution of 200dpi (150dpi minimum), but file size expands to 3-4MB and download time is proportionately longer. So, it's worth cropping out unnecessary background, etc., using the "paint" programme usually "bundled" with most digital cameras. If that has an "optimizing" facility, this can reduce file size, but can degrade quality.
  For downloading, the .jpg format compresses files, but is a "lossy" format, which means that every time the file is opened/processed, some detail is lost. Nevertheless, for what you want, it is usually the most efficient. For printing, use the .tif or .bmp format which are both compatible with most PC wordprocessing/DTP programmes and retain file information indefinitely.
  With all options, you will need to experiment to find what works best for you. Personally, we get "safer" results by incorporating the images into a Workbook, providing hard copy ourselves, or sending files at 200dpi on CDROM.
  For device-independent output, Adobe Acrobat converts files into .pdf format (portable document format) and optimises their size. Then the files can be read and printed out using Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded free from www.adobe.com.
  MSWord, Corel WordPerfect & Photopaint, Adobe Photoshop and other leading publishing programmes have .pdf add-ons which will convert the files for you. You can also buy Adobe Acrobat, which provides a wider range of shared editing facilities.
  Budget : your choice but, for what you probably need, you can now buy a competent digital zoom camera for as little as £100.
  Personal/brand preference : leading brands provide technical support, if needed. With lesser-known, often cheaper brands, you can never be sure . . . . so, is the price difference worth the risk?

Tips for better results. Everywhere. Every time.

From practical experience, here are some tips for photographing your Pinboards and then integrating them into Workbooks which will deliver effective feedback to your Group(s):-

• ideally, use the matt side of the paper on those Pinboards you need to photograph, particularly if you are using flash (reduces flare)
• if you are using adhesive spray, consider the trade-off, because the matt side is more absorbent
• set up your Pinboards where the front face is well & evenly lit (for consistency, mark where the feet should be on the floor with tape)
• to eliminate distortion, set up your tripod or hold your camera full square to the board
• for consistent readability, set up your camera so that the whole of the board area fills the lens at the closest distance at widest zoom (approx. 2 metres, dependent upon specification)
• ensure that camera is central, horizontally & vertically, to eliminate distortion
• take at least 2 shots per board (1 with, 1 without flash)
• download the files to your computer/laptop hard disk
• using the computer imaging programme:-
• crop to a consistent size (we insert them into a Pinboard frame)
• resize to fit your printer's limit within an A4 page
• adjust the resolution (72 dpi is fine if your pictures are only going to be viewed on a computer monitor, but 150-200dpi or better is preferable for printer output)
• use good quality paper, ideally that which is recommended by the printer manufacturer. If using an inkjet, preferably buy branded coated paper (cheaper paper is a false economy - you use more ink and halftones "leech" into the paper, so your pix look fuzzy)
• to avoid showthrough, print single-sided, preferably on 90gsm/100gsm paper
• In your DTP/ wordprocessing programme, create a brief review of the Workshop, to provide the Group with a framework, enhancing recall, memorability - and learning value. Summarise the Track and lead the Group, board by board, through to their Action Plan
• import the photographs and, if possible, caption key points. Wherever possible, feature photographs of the Group(s) in action, particularly those presenting their Group findings, etc.
• comment objectively and constructively, whenever appropriate
• invite constructive feedback on the Workshop and its outcome (positive and negative).

For further technical support on Recording your Pinpoint Facilitation™ session, please email Mike Warnock (Pinpoint Marketing Support) or ring him on 01531 640540