I am sure that many of you have, from time to time, found yourself doodling whilst otherwise being occupied with thinking about something else. The ability to produce sketches, consisting for example of random lines, shapes, cartoon characters, flowers and fictional monsters, is a by-product of allowing the creative juices to subconsciously flow. It is no surprise that doodling is generally acknowledged to be a form of expression and a de-stressing tool. Design engineers like me, also value the concept of sketching in our professional careers.
Although 3D CAD software is currently used to produce accurate designs for components, assemblies and sub assemblies, many mechanical engineers still appreciate value of sketching at key milestones throughout the product development cycle. Albeit a simple 2D drawing, an informal pen or pencil sketch can be used to scope out initial ideas or concepts, or serve as a visual aid when discussing changes to a current design. It can also be an effective tool with problem solving during face to face client and multidisciplinary project meetings. Of course there is a time and a place for utilising a hand drawing as opposed to a precise computer tool, but there is an argument leaning towards the premise that a humble pen or pencil and piece of paper, can allow an individual or design team, to be more creative and ‘free’ with their ideas.
The value of a simple sketch can also be paralleled with the popularity of the children’s toy the Etch a Sketch. Now well over 60 years old, this mechanical drawing toy was originally introduced in 1960 and serves to remind me of how like the original 2D engineering drawings were produced prior to CAD and that of the paper versions well before that. Thankfully that was before my interest in mechanical design engineering developed and unlike the original Etch a Sketch, CAD software fortunately allows design engineers to refine a design, save any changes and keep multiple versions.
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