The Power of Sketching in Design
“That’s not a good sketch.”
Someone I was working with said this about their own work the other day. I asked, Did it help communicate the idea you were trying to get across?
"Well, yes."
Then it is a good sketch.
Zaha Hadid, architect, initial sketch for a community project
In design, sketching isn’t about creating a perfect, polished image—it’s a tool for thinking, solving problems, and communicating ideas. The strength of a sketch lies in its ability to move a concept forward, helping designers and teams make decisions, explore possibilities, and align on direction.
Depending on where you are in the process, sketches serve different roles. Some are loose and expressive, while others are precise and instructional. Understanding these different types of sketches can help designers use them more effectively.
Exploration Sketches
Sketches exploring the idea of seams wrapping round the body
These are the first thoughts on paper. They respond to inspiration, capturing raw ideas without constraints. At this stage, sketches are often messy, fast, and intuitive—more about energy and expression than accuracy. The goal is to explore a breadth of ideas, not to refine a single one.
Thinking Sketches
Loose drawings working through ideas
As ideas start to form, sketches become a way to develop and test concepts. This stage connects inspiration with function, exploring how ideas translate into real products. These sketches often investigate proportions, key details, and early construction thoughts, helping to bridge the gap between abstract inspiration and tangible design solutions.
Refining Sketches
More repetition to solidify the idea in the product
Once a direction is established, sketches become more focused. Here, designers explore variations to define proportion, silhouette, and construction details. These sketches are about problem-solving—working through how elements fit together and ensuring the design has the right balance of function and aesthetics.
Concept Sketches
Storytelling with the complete look
At this stage, the goal shifts to communication. Concept sketches present the big idea in a compelling way, often used to sell a direction internally or externally. These sketches are more refined, and crafted to tell a story, evoke emotion, and capture the essence of the design. While they don’t need to be overly technical, they should be clear and intentional.
Blueprint ‘Tech pack’ Sketches
Focus on line weights and a clean appearance
These are the tactical, technical drawings that provide vendors with the precise details needed to build the product as intended. Proportion, seam placement, material callouts, and construction details are all defined. These sketches act as the foundation for tech packs and development discussions.
Digital Sketches
Created using the Rep Sketch platform
Advancements in AI and digital tools have introduced a new type of sketch—one that enhances traditional line drawings with depth, texture, and realism. These renderings make ideas feel more tangible before physical samples exist, helping teams visualize the final product more clearly. While they can be useful for storytelling and presentations, they don’t replace the need for foundational sketching skills.
Why Sketch?
Sketching is more than just a way to put ideas on paper—it’s an essential part of the design process. It allows designers to think through problems, explore multiple directions, and communicate ideas clearly. A single sketch can capture an insight that shifts the direction of a project. It can bring people onto the same page or unlock a solution that wasn’t obvious before.
In a world of digital tools, sketching remains a vital skill because it keeps design thinking fluid, fast, and intuitive. It encourages exploration, helps refine decisions, and makes abstract concepts tangible.
So the next time you put pen to paper, don’t worry about whether it’s a good sketch. Instead, ask yourself: