What is the purpose of sketching in the design process?

The purpose of sketching in the design process is primarily to visualize concepts and communicate ideas. Sketching allows designers to quickly translate thoughts into visual forms, facilitating the exploration of various design possibilities. This early stage of visual representation helps in brainstorming sessions and discussions, enabling collaboration among team members and stakeholders. By capturing initial ideas in a tangible form, designers can better convey their vision and gather feedback, which is essential for refining concepts before moving on to more formal stages of design.

In contrast to the other options, sketching is not typically about finalizing designs, measuring product effectiveness, or creating detailed technical drawings. These aspects generally come later in the design process, once preliminary ideas have been solidified through sketches and initial concepts. By focusing on visualization and communication, sketching plays a critical role in developing innovative products.