Drawing Product Ideas

CHAPTER FOURBUILDING FROM RECTANGLES

I claimed earlier that if you can draw boxes and arrows, you have what it takes to create a UX drawing—and a good one for that matter. Remember, in order to draw with your team, you don't have to be a critically acclaimed artist, nor do you have to be a designer. Let's start putting this claim to the test.

Think about what we covered in the previous chapter and find your straightedge. While you're at it, grab a pen or pencil and some paper. We're going to take an in-depth look at all of the most common elements you'll be using in your future product drawings. Let's start by drawing some lines to form a basic box (Figure 4.1). Your lines don't have to be perfectly level or parallel.

FIGURE 4.1

Next, let's draw an arrow. Just as we discussed in Chapter 3, “Lines and Points,” think about the direction of the arrow and where to start and end your line (Figure 4.2).

FIGURE 4.2

Fill up your paper with boxes and arrows so you become comfortable with this process. I included my own practice sheet in Figure 4.3. Now, let's see how we can use these shapes to create the basic building blocks of your visual language.

FIGURE 4.3

CREATING DIAGRAMS ...