Sketching is one of my favourite parts of designing a new project. I love getting to go crazy with ideas and experiment with designs and layouts before finalising the ideas and bringing them over to the computer to digitised them.
For my Element project after conducting the user research I knew from here I was focusing on designing an application for an iPad sized screen as this was the most used device that the children had made a comment on. I also was aiming to create something that was bright, colour and playful taking inspiration from some of the games/applications that was mentioned in the questionnaire as this is what attracted the kids to that platform or service.
Pinterest –
Before I put pencil to paper I conducted some further research/inspiration using Pinterest. This is my main tool to grab ideas from because it allows me to start building ideas and putting pieces together in my head before I even get to constructing an idea. I knew with this project after completing my mind maps weeks prior that the most effective idea that jumped from the page for me was a digging theme that allowed the users to dig through the layers of the earth to uncover different elements the deeper they got.
I created a Pinterest board that focused on children’s gaming application was well as images/designs of digging themes and how I could potentially bring this idea to life. When using Pinterest for this project I focused on application layout designs for iPads specifically, character design ideas, scientific icon designs I could potentially use as buttons, logo ideas and ways I could showcase the element and each piece of information. 
Sketching –
Working off my idea of the theme of digging through the underground I knew I would need to design a background that included a range of layers that children would understand. These were the sky, the fields/grass and layers of mud and stones. Having a strong and well designed background would add to the effectiveness of making this project as attractive as possible for the kids to want to play with.
Site mapping –
With an idea in mind before actually sketching my ideas out I thought it would be best to be aware of the content I would be including in my application and for this then I created a site map. This site map demonstrate the 5 main pages I am aiming to create and include as well as the 5 element component I have chosen for the user to dig through the underground for. Oxygen will be represented as the blue sky on the background then from here the user will dig to find tin, silver, gold and calcium.
When I sketch I aim to draw the design out freehand to allow me to get all my ideas down onto paper and then from here I almost make it into a mind map of ideas of what areas and sections of my design might include and the actions they could perform.
First draft layers idea
Adapted design of digging page and element/quiz page
This is the sketch of my homepage that will navigate the user around the application
Wireframes –
With my sketches complete and a strong enough idea to go along with I was able to move my designs over to Figma to digitise my ideas and then further adapt and add to my designs for future feedback. I created both low and high fidelity mockups where I got to begin to bring my design to life. I created the background of my main pages using illustrator and procreate when using my iPad.
Using Figma I will continue adding to my design and implementing the feedback given in the follow weeks on the designs I have created before I begin prototyping.