This week’s class focused on sketching and early-stage interface design, moving from abstract research into visual thinking. We explored the importance of starting with pen and paper instead of jumping straight into high-fidelity digital tools like Figma.
This article really resonated with me, even though it’s not directly related to sketching interfaces, I still found it relevant for this week’s blog. It delves into the concept of "sketch synthesis", a method for making sense of messy research data through visual means. The idea is to distill complex information into simple sketches, which can then be clustered and discussed with the team to uncover insights and inform design decisions.
To Make Sense of Messy Research, Get Visual
1. Embrace the Messiness of Research
The article starts by acknowledging that the synthesis phase of research can feel overwhelming, with piles of notes, photos, and observations.
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I've definitely felt this way during projects—drowning in information and unsure where to start. It's comforting to know that this is a normal part of the process and that there are strategies to navigate it.
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2. Use Sketching to Simplify and Clarify
By creating quick sketches of key insights, designers can begin to see patterns and connections that might not be obvious in text-based notes.
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I love this approach. Sketching helps me process information differently and often leads to new ideas.
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3. Collaborate to Uncover Deeper Insights
Sharing these sketches with the team and discussing them can lead to a richer understanding of the research and more innovative solutions.
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Collaboration is key. Talking through ideas with others often brings new perspectives and helps refine concepts.
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This article reinforced the value of visual thinking in the design process. It reminded me that it's okay for things to feel messy at times and that sketching can be a powerful tool for making sense of complexity. Moving forward, I plan to incorporate sketch synthesis into my workflow, especially during the early stages of a project.
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