Sketching and annotation
Freehand sketches
freehand sketchingDrawing without guides such as rulers. is the quickest way of getting initial designs on paper before an idea is forgotten. Freehand sketches are often done without a ruler or template and instead are produced quickly and freely.
annotationLabelling of a diagram. can be added at any point to show key parts, sizes, materials, componentA part that when put together makes a product. and constructionHow an item is put together.. The use of shading, colour and different viewpoints can be an easy way of communicating initial ideas.
Formal drawings
formal drawingA drawing using techniques such as third or first angle with dimensions. are a more precise or less messy style of drawing; they can be done by hand or with computer aided design (CAD)The process of creating a 2D or 3D design using computer software. packages.
Formal hand drawings would use tools such as rulers and set squares to ensure accuracy and neatness. Using CAD allows the user to quickly make changes, and the drawings can be digitally shared and copied with ease.

Formal drawings are used when showing an idea to a clientIn business, a client is a person or organisation that wants a product manufactured, eg a retailer., showing measurements or getting feedback from a user groupA group of people who are the target market of a product and test a product before manufacturing..