Sketch, ideate, communicate

One of the main benefits of the sketch, and whether drawn on paper or e-tablet is that it gives full play to the imagination that is foundational to creativity. It captures the essence of the idea, helps clarify design intention both in the sketcher's own mind and that of their audience (colleagues, clients etc). Sketching, then, is a fast and efficient way of communicating first thoughts and ideas. And so sketching helps conceive, elucidate and articulate design ideas, and whenever there's a need to quickly "sort things out" in the design process. As a thinking tool, sketching encourages the freedom of simplicity and helps develop a sense of creative self. And the iterative nature of sketching, going backwards and forwards channels new thoughts and ideas. And although ideas are either endorsed, rejected or modified, in their sketchiness they are often adaptable to new, different or emergent contexts.