Sketching with Chinese Calligraphy

Abstract

Sketches and hand drawn paper prototypes have become popular tools – they are quick to make, inexpensive and cannot be mistaken for the final product. When little effort is needed to draw, it is easier to discard drawings and ideas and replace them with new and improved versions. Moreover, during ideation it is important to be able to quickly capture the ideas on paper while they are flowing. As one speeds up the drawing, the sketches may become unclear and harder to interpret. This article illustrates how Chinese calligraphy can serve as inspiration to speed up sketching while maintaining a clear, consistent and attractive style. After introducing the basic principles of Chinese calligraphy, we showcase character elements that resemble user interface components and demonstrate how calligraphy techniques can be used to proportion the overall user interface structure.