Typically when you picture a prototype sketch one conjures images of intricate renderings packed with detail and artistic skill. Beware, this is a trap! More often than not, the pursuit of artistic perfection holds back our creativity as designers. Quick sketches and iteration on iteration is the key to a realm of possibilities, however tempting it may be, the notion of a linear progression from idea to end result is one we must push against as designers. These elements were the key takeaway from a sketching workshop hosted by Hans, one of our design tutors.
Throughout this training, Hans guided us through the creative process of sketching successful prototypes. He began by explaining the difference between sketching to think versus sketching to show and the value of an idea captured by a sketch regardless of one's artistic skill. This approach created a refreshing sense of accessibility, our sketches didn’t have to be picture-perfect models or crafted to the last detail as long as they were able to convey our design idea.
He went on to describe how some of the worlds most successful designs were created from a simple sketch or scribble on a restaurant menu, like that of Marc Newson. The only limit to our designs is the limits of our creativity. Mistakes are simply a stepping stone to inform the next sketch and simplicity allows for more iteration rather than time wasted on unnecessary detail.
‘So let’s practice what we have learnt’ said Hans, in one-minute intervals we drew three types of iterations of the original prompt photographs Hans provided: A simple water bottle and a lamp. The purpose of this exercise was to reduce the space for second-guessing and let our design instincts kick in.
I initially struggled with the time limit and found myself wanting to add annotations and detail to explain my scribbled sketches, however as the time passed I was able to relax more and get into a workflow.
These sketches show my water bottle designs as we explored different functional and aesthetic elements the bottle could include; Variations in shape and size, add a handle, draw a lid and add a smart app link.
We repeated this process with a simple exposed bulb lamp, adding a lampshade, altering the base, creating an aspect of mobility, showing it in different contexts for scale and finally creating a final design of our favourite elements.
Sketching tips:
Avoid Erasers
Draw in continuous lines
Supplement your drawings with annotations
Draw in 2D and 3D
Use hatching to indicate the material and texture.
As a bonus activity, Hans prompted us to create iterations of a chair design following his sketching tips and methodology. Could this chair seat a family? What if it rotates? What can we change about the legs?
Comments