Design ideation: the conceptual sketch in the digital age

The freehand sketch has traditionally been seen as the primary conceptual tool in the early stages of the design process. But what is the impact of digital technology on conceptual tools and sketching in particular? A multiple case study compared how design students and design practitioners used conceptual tools in everyday design situations. The outcome showed that verbalisation, rather than freehand sketching was the major conceptual tool for getting started. Moreover, the computer emerged as an ideation tool across design domains.