Methods for Improving Undergraduate Students' Sketching Skills

Hand sketching is one of the most important skills for design. However, many design students are not confident or competent in sketching. This paper introduces initiatives at Brunel University for improving undergraduate students' sketching skills. A range of drawing workshops were organised and their effectiveness was evaluated through students' feedback. The teaching methods and students' motivation were studied through questionnaires and focus groups. It concluded that effective methods for improving sketching skills may include a combination of: setting structured, timed tasks for daily practice; creating a relaxing peer-learning environment; incorporating sketching into each design project; and organising intensive drawing workshops to enhance learning.