Ready, Set, Sketch! Using Familiar Tools to Ideate in UX

Ever stared at a giant menu and had no clue where to start? The same goes for UX: diving into complex designs without a quick sketch can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll show how simple doodles spark brilliant ideas and save you from wasting time on “recipes” that just don’t work.

Drawing It Out

Sketching is a lot like doodling in your notebook during class. You don’t need to be a superstar artist or master any complicated software; simple shapes, stick figures, and brief labels will do. If you’re working with friends, throw your ideas on a whiteboard and see what clicks. It’s like making a pizza together—maybe you’ll discover a surprising combo that turns out to be everyone’s favorite.

Try a “Crazy Eight” Brainstorm

One fun way to speed up the sketching process is using a technique called Cray Eight (a playful twist on the popular “Crazy 8s” method). It goes like this:

1. Grab a piece of paper and fold it into eight sections.

2. Set a timer for eight minutes.

3. In each section, sketch a different idea for the problem you’re trying to solve.

Don’t worry if your art looks silly—stick figures are totally fine. The point is to fill up all eight boxes with different ideas, no matter how wild they seem. You might be surprised by the cool solutions that pop up when you push yourself to try something new every minute!

Testing the Taste-Tests

The best part about sketching first—whether you’re doing single sketches or a Cray Eight brainstorm—is that it’s okay if you decide an idea won’t work. You haven’t wasted time or effort building something nobody wants. It’s better to find out that anchovies and peanut butter don’t mix on paper rather than after you’ve actually cooked it. Once you’ve got some sketches, show them to classmates or teachers. Ask for feedback:

• Is your seating chart easy to understand?

• Could the buttons on your class schedule app be clearer?

With quick sketches and open communication, you’ll catch problems early and make improvements fast.

Keep It Fun and Flexible

Whether you’re redesigning a classroom seating chart or brainstorming new features for a phone app, sketching helps everyone stay on the same page. It’s a creative team effort that keeps you focused on what really matters: making sure people can use your design without getting lost in a confusing “menu.” And remember, tools like Crazy Eight add a burst of energy to your ideation, turning a blank page into an exciting playground for fresh ideas