Quirky ID & Software, Part 1

Over the next few weeks, Brian will be telling you about the different types of software used by the Quirky Design Staff to create those shiny vector illustrations and photo-realistic renders. Today, Graphite.

The design department at Quirky uses many types of software. Each one lends itself to its own area of expertise, providing a very specific set of tools to help get the job done. Whether you’re using a two dimensional graphic program laying out a vector illustration or virtually sculpting a CAD model to render out into a photorealistic image, when these applications are used sequentially they act as a software relay-team.

Our design process initially starts with research and hand sketching to establish a general direction. Once a path is established, we will start to introduce software into the mix and begin the transition from sketch to screen.

Graphite is a type of drafting program that we use during this early phase. It allows us to create orthogonal line drawings that assist in understanding layout, proportion, and scale. A quick hand sketch can elude to detail but not actually provide enough information for construction, this program helps the user define these elements and become more concrete with their design.

Another benefit of this program is the speed with which you can produce multiple variations around one design concept. Take, for instance, the following tool variations. Can you guess the product?

Producing options to pick from early on most often will yield a better end result. At this point we often jump away from our computers and begin the mock up phase for testing. Since our vellum drawings are mostly done at full scale, we can print them out to use as guidelines to cut the form out of foam, cardboard, wood, metal etc.