When engaging in a collaborative modeling exercise, much of the information in the model isn't written down or clearly represented in the model. Often participants write summary information on an index card, or write it sloppily. A reader if the card might be confused by what it meant, but someone in the room who heard the conversation going on while the card was being written is more likely to remember that conversation and attach important meaning to the card.

Keeping the model created around is useful to a collocated team that created the model. But if team members are not collocated or the information needs to be shared with others electronically a paper model isn't practical. Often the tacit information obtained by the modelers in the form of conversation that took place during the session needs to be made more explicit so that it can be communicated to and by others. Short term memory is quick to fade, and while a modeler may view the model and recall a wealth of details today, a month or two down the road the information may be difficult to recall.

When photographing models use a high resolution camera – one that will allow you to enlarge the photo enough to read small poorly written print. Usually the camera built into a mobile phone isn't quite high resolution enough, but things are changing fast. Many cameras and mobile phones now allow recording of short digital movies. Consider making a Model Movie while you're at it. These photos and movies should be stored electronically with any document produced using them.

In addition to photographing the models, also shoot photos of the team creating the models. Working together as a team is a lot of fun. You'll find the team is very proud of the model they've built and energized by having worked together to learn, discover, and problem solve. Capture the moment in pictures. Seeing the faces of people engaged in model building not only helps recall details of the day, but helps us recall times when things were a little simpler, more understandable. This is nice to have when things inevitably get more complicated than anyone anticipated.