Sketching
Drawing ideas in a quick, cheap and open way to explore many of them and discuss them before committing to one.
What it’s for
It separates exploring from deciding: a sketch invites suggestions; a prototype has already chosen a path.
Key elements
Quick and cheap
It takes minutes and you throw it away without regret.
Many
At first, the more the better.
Open
It suggests without closing: it leaves room for other ideas.
How it’s done
Draw several ideas by hand.
Show them and listen.
Choose which one moves on to a prototype.
Applications in design
When to use it
Early on, to explore many directions.
Avoid
Polishing in a digital tool before you have several ideas.
Don’t fall for it
A sketch that is too finished looks decided, and people stop making suggestions.
Connections
Authors and works
- 2007
Bill Buxton
Separated the sketch from the prototype: the sketch helps you get the right design; the prototype, the design right.
Sources
Original sources
- Buxton, B. (2007). Sketching user experiences: Getting the design right and the right design. Morgan Kaufmann.
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