Whiteboarding is a skill that I’ve neglected over the years. I’ve always preferred to articulate complex problems verbally, with digital documentation, and understandable code. While I’ve neglected it, I’ve been able to get through interviews and use a whiteboard to present my ideas and lines of code but not confidently. I need an update.
I’ve started getting serious about learning how to whiteboard better, so my first step is to find my favorite markers. Here’s a list of markers that I’ve incorporated into my practice.
Quartet Dry-Erase Glass Board Markers
The Quartet is an excellent marker with a smooth writing experience that looks bold and clear. The only downside on my XBoard Magnetic Dry Erase Whiteboard is the residue the dry erase ink leaves behind during clean-up. This feature is tolerable but not ideal.
PILOT V Board Master Refillable Dry-Erase Markers
A more environmentally friendly and smooth writing experience that doesn’t leave a residue that requires a lot of clean up. There is some residue, but overall, it’s more manageable than the others. The key feature of this marker is that it is refillable using the whiteboard marker refills. The refills are still plastic, but at least there is less plastic to dispose of in the end.
I initially tried the PILOT V medium chisel tip dry erase whiteboard markers. The first couple of times I used the chisel tip I wasn’t sold.
I later purchased the PILOT V bullet tip whiteboard markers hoping that I would get a cleaner look. The chisel tip gives me more control so when used correctly it yields a better result.
The refill feature works as advertised. It understandably took some time when changing the ink for the color to shine through, but it finally did after a few shakes and test running.
I’ll continue using both markers and see what use cases I produce for each. I guess that if I were into creating art on my whiteboard, the differences would become apparent.
ARTEZA Dry Erase Markers
The Arteza dry erase whiteboard marker with a chisel tip is a thinner marker that doesn’t quite cut it. I saw a bit of blurring when writing out of the gate. The Arteza markers are cheap, so if you’re not too worried about a bit of blurring, this marker might work out for you.
I’ve been enjoying the daily whiteboarding practice I’ve started. My self-directed lessons of the future will include the following.
- Learn some basic symbols to organize and convey my thoughts more clearly
- Improve my speed while maintaining legibility
- Eventually, start creating whiteboard animation like Robert Reich but more technical and a lot less political