The first step to creating an excellent web design starts by sketching. Sketching is an essential component of the process of design and development. In the beginning you'd have observed designers sketching their ideas on paper using a pencil. With the swift change from the physical to the digital world that the design industry has gone through, it's difficult to find designers writing down their ideas on paper.
Although the art of designing nowadays is supported by modern software such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator designers feel that this has restricted their thinking process. Web designers jump straight into design without much thought or the process of planning. The result is that web designs lack the essence that a hand-drawn style could convey.
The Importance of Sketching in the Design Process
Sketching can help free the mental process of thought. It's a fluid technique that lets the mind loosen and open the door to express the vision of the mind that is already developed. The mind is able to be flexible and quickly analyze a specific issue from various perspectives. Sketching aids in communicating ideas more effectively and visualize a specific flow of users, show features and demonstrate user experiences. In addition, sketching lets users to get their hands messy. It is possible to sketch your idea and play using it in variety of ways. The more variations of a photo to drawing you create and the more accurate your thoughts are as your brain can connect the dots and discover potential design possibilities that aren't obvious to you. Even with the most advanced software tools that claim to bring web design to the latest technology and the most rigid tool set hinders rapid development of concepts and the execution of aesthetic design.
Research and Sketching Come Hand In Hand
Sketching gives you to play with your thoughts in a free-flowing manner however, it does not mean that it doesn't require planning. What do you want to sketch and how do you think of an idea that doesn't provide a reason for what you would like your target audience to understand. Sketching is a skill that requires a great mental attitude and an outward movement, which can only be achieved with an open mind. Research is the stage that your initial thoughts begin growing, and you then take and begin to create the style and feel that you've been considering.
Sketching and Wireframes are Not the Same
It is a popular mistake in web design. Wireframes are an improvement of the concepts that were formulated at the time of sketching. It determines the way in which you execute specifics in your user's interface. It is the next step after drawing.
Sketching in a Group
Working in teams can help make a better synthesis of some of the finest ideas. If you work as with a group, you are able to create some of the most impressive sketches in a short amount of time. Then, you can evaluate each of them and make something truly unique and beautiful. This is an efficient and creative method to create amazing designs since they incorporate some of the finest elements of design that are derived from multiple sketches created by your group of coworkers. Then, you can make wireframes to create an overall layout that will show what the design layout will look like.
Anyone Can Sketch
Sketching isn't just a necessity for designers. It is beneficial for nearly every job that needs the creation of something. It is essential for strategists, designers as well as business developers and clients to sketch their concepts and study the idea thoroughly before making a note of their contribution to it . This is done by jumping right into design.