Output details
34 - Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory
University of Dundee
Re: Thinking and Designing a Digital Sketchbook
Why are digital tools not replacing traditional sketchbooks (as yet)? Described here is a research led project to explore the fundamentals of traditional sketchbook use with a view to improve the design of digital equivalents. Careful consideration is given to understanding how a re-evaluation of traditional sketchbook use (and all it’s nuances) can add value to the existing paradigm for digital tools that aim to support creativity. A detailed analysis of real world sketchbooks, artists’ statements and semi-structured interviews is presented that reveals the complex of interrelated creative activities that sketchbooks support. Csikszentmihalyi’s creative systems model is used to frame this analysis highlighting the role of sketchbooks as a support tool across the creative system. Initial prototypes of interface components for an iPad app are explored and discussed as part of a student design project. Insights are provided into how to re-design digital sketchbooks in order to support activities across the creative system in a holistic way, rather than one that is technologically determined.