Created by Turbolearn AI
Visualization in Design Thinking
What is Visualization?
Visualization is the process of creating visual representations like images,
diagrams, or animations to communicate ideas.
It allows designers to think non-verbally and enhances creativity in design
thinking.
Visualization enables designers to access creative parts of the brain,
think beyond language, and communicate complex ideas effectively
through visual formats like drawings, charts, and diagrams.
Visual Representation
Visual representation involves the principles and methods used to make and
interpret markings on a surface.
Helps designers express emotions, concepts, and information visually.
Types of Representational Drawings
Freehand Drawing: Sketching without tools, relying on observation and
imagination.
Isometric Drawing: Uses three directions to represent objects accurately,
maintaining scale and avoiding distortion.
Technical Drawing: Conveys complex design information visually, bridging
communication between engineers, designers, and manufacturers.
Enhancing Ideation
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Brainstorming: Visually exploring ideas, encouraging creativity through
sketches and diagrams.
Communication: Facilitating clear and effective communication of design
concepts through visual formats.
Problem-solving: Transforming abstract problems into tangible visual forms for
analysis and solution development.
Mind Maps
Visual diagrams that organize information and ideas intuitively.
Help designers explore and connect concepts during the ideation phase.
Wireframes
Blueprint-like sketches that outline the structure and layout of a design.
Often used in web and app development.
Prototypes
Interactive models that allow designers to test and validate their concepts.
Help refine ideas based on user feedback.
Storyboards
Sequenced visual narratives that illustrate user interactions and experiences.
Help designers visualize the user journey.
Common Forms of Visual Representation
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Form Purpose
Text Conveying written information.
Typography Enhancing readability and visual appeal of text.
Illustrations Providing visual explanations or artistic representations.
Drawings Sketching ideas and concepts.
Icons Representing functions or ideas in a simplified visual manner.
Graphs Displaying quantitative data and relationships.
Charts Organizing and presenting information visually.
Diagrams Illustrating processes, systems, or relationships.
Bridging Abstract and Tangible
Converting ideas into visual formats to better understand, communicate, and
refine concepts into real-world applications.
Freehand Drawing
Sketching without tools, relying on observation and imagination.
Helps designers quickly express ideas, explore possibilities, and communicate
concepts freely and creatively.
Creativity Support
Allows spontaneous sketching without constraints.
Encourages exploration of ideas and alternate solutions.
Hatching
A shading technique using closely spaced parallel lines to create tonal effects.
Adds depth and texture to freehand sketches.
Isometric Drawing
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Uses three directions—one vertical and two diagonal—to represent objects
accurately.
Maintains scale and avoids distortion, making it ideal for technical illustrations.
Isometric vs. Perspective Drawing
Feature Isometric Drawing Perspective Drawing
Scale Maintained; not distorted by distance Distorted based on viewpoint
Depth Not emphasized Creates depth
Use Technical illustrations, accurate Artistic representations, realistic
Cases measurements scenes
Tools for Isometric Drawing
Protractors and set squares help ensure accurate angles and measurements.
Freehand isometric sketches can also be made using visual estimation.
Technical Drawing
Conveys complex design information visually.
Bridges communication between engineers, designers, and manufacturers for
product realization.
Examples
Blueprints for buildings.
Schematics for electronic circuits.
Provides detailed instructions for construction and assembly.
Perspective in Art and Design
A technique to represent 3D objects on 2D surfaces, creating depth and spatial
relationships using vanishing points and horizon lines.
Types of Perspective
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Type Description Use Cases
Uses a single vanishing point to Scenes with roads, hallways, or
One-Point
create depth, often used in scenes objects facing the viewer
Perspective
with parallel lines converging. directly.
Uses two vanishing points on the
Two-Point Buildings, landscapes, or
horizon to depict more dynamic
Perspective objects viewed from an angle.
spatial scenes.
Includes three or more vanishing Tall structures, aerial views, or
Multi-Point
points, adding complexity and complex scenes with multiple
Perspective
realism. intersecting lines.
Orthographic Projection
Shows multiple views of an object—top, front, side—without distortion.
Essential for engineering drawings and accurate representation of 3D forms.
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