Abstract

In industrial design, visual representation methods are important for communicating design ideas and defining product concepts. Among these methods, sketching serves multiple functions and is widely recognized as a key tool for fostering creativity, particularly in the early stages of the design process. This study examines various sketching taxonomies and models that explain design and creative processes, establishing a theoretical foundation for the research. Based on this framework, a novel graphic ideation model is proposed to integrate the creative process into the design workflow through the strategic use of sketches. The model identifies different types of sketches and correlates them with specific stages of the design process, highlighting their potential to enhance creativity and originality. A case study involving the design of a desk was conducted to assess whether the model improves creativity in the design outcome. This case study was compared with two others where the model was not applied. The evaluation of creativity, measured through novelty and usefulness, showed that the case using the graphic ideation model resulted in higher levels of creativity. However, the results should be interpreted carefully, as they are limited by the scope of the study and the specific conditions under which it was conducted.