I just saw Signal vs. Noise talking about using big sharpies when sketching up UI designs because they believe it helps to ignore details early on. Now, I personally hate paper because I hate erasing. It just bugs me. Using a big sharpie isn’t a bad thought to solving that. But I also like being able to erase parts of what I’ve done… and a sharpy doesn’t allow that. Plus sharpies smell bad. Who likes using stuff that smells bad? That’s like using deodorant that purposely doesn’t do its job (er, sort of).
Anyways, I use a bit of a different method for sketching my designs. I basically create a small, portable white board for about $5. We’ll call it your Portable Design Whiteboard. For those curious to try it out, I’ll explain how to create your own.
How to create your own Portable Design Whiteboard
It’s very simple. You only need 3 things.
1. A place to get your paper laminated
I went to FedexKinkos.
2. Paper to get laminated
You can also get this at FedexKinkos. They also do custom paper sizes. I picked the standard long one (2nd to largest) that is also a little wider for some extra space. I also like stiffer paper as it makes it easier to sketch in my lap.
3. A dry erase marker (most important part)
Not all dry erase markers work well on laminated paper. For example, the cheap Expo dry erase markers from WalMart don’t work. I use Bic Greate Erase Grip XL (Low Odor Dry Erase Marker) and it works great. Comes off fine with a paper towel or hand.
In case you haven’t realized it, to create your own personal design board simply get the piece of paper of your choice laminated. Bingo! You’re done.
14 responses so far ↓
Angelo // June 22, 2007 at 12:29 am |
Believe it or not, I used to skip the whole wireframe phase altogether before I became formally aware of its existence. I used to depend firmly on HTML to lay out my ideas.
Call me old fashioned, but sometimes nothing beats a good old fashioned unordered list. Take that, sharpies.
Nathan // June 22, 2007 at 3:17 pm |
lol, quite the blow to sharpies ;)
I could never just get into the css & html for laying out ideas. I get too bogged down on the specifics too early when I do that. Do you find that to be a problem for yourself?
Angelo // June 22, 2007 at 10:48 pm |
After working like that for so long, I don’t find it to cause trouble so much any more.
To me, it kind of speaks to mastering a toolset and only making additions when it becomes absolutely necessary to do so.
Andy Drish // June 26, 2007 at 12:50 pm |
Hey! Love the site! I’m glad to see another college student studying small business…. I think we are a rare breed.
I was looking to send you an email and either I’m an idiot, or there isn’t a link to it… Am I missing it somewhere?
Nathan // June 26, 2007 at 5:41 pm |
Hey Andy!
We certainly are a rare breed!
Interesting you couldn’t find my email. It’s on my about page, very bottom. Thanks for the heads up, though. I’ll update my blog to make sure it’s something easier to find :)
To save you some time, it is: nss3321 at uncw dot edu. Drop me a line :)
Andy Drish // June 26, 2007 at 10:27 pm |
Yup…. I’m definitely an idiot. :) I’ll shoot you an email
Nathan // June 27, 2007 at 4:17 am |
Haha, not to worry, Andy!
You’re not an idiot. The point is you couldn’t find it. Maybe others could, but with something like that, that’s an issue on my end :)
Deb Allen // August 10, 2007 at 9:06 pm |
Great idea!
I’ve made something similar using Con-Tact’s “Memo Board Contact Paper” — basically adhesive-backed white plastic sheet specifically for use with dry erase markers.
Comes in 6′ x 18″ rolls, and you can stick it to any substrate — esp useful if you’d like to used something stiffer than what you would be able to run through a roll laminator.
Awesome also for turning any smooth-surfaced door into a 6 foot tall whiteboard. :-]
I’ve used the cheapest of markers on it, no problemo.
Nathan // August 10, 2007 at 9:46 pm |
Cool! Thanks for the tip, Deb!
I will have to check that out and see what can’t be done :)
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Raymond 7 // October 30, 2009 at 10:25 am |
What a great idea!!! i am just considering to buy an portable whiteboard from IKEA. i like to jot down my ideas and tasks where i can always read while working. thank you very much ^^