Re: Thinking and Designing a Digital Sketchbook

Why are digital tools not replacing traditional sketchbooks? Described here is a research-led teaching project to explore the fundamentals of sketchbook use. An analysis of real world sketchbooks, artists' statements and semi-structured interviews is presented that reveals the complex of interrelated activities that sketchbooks support. Csikszentmihalyi's creative systems model is used to frame this analysis, highlighting the role of sketchbooks as a support tool across the creative system. Initial prototypes of interface components for an iPad app are explored and discussed as part of a student project. Insights are provided into how to re-design digital sketchbooks in order to support activities across the creative system in a holistic way