Final answer:
A designer typically uses sketches and drawings in the initial stages of the design process to visualize ideas, conduct mind searches, and engage in idea dumps. These sketches help in brainstorming and structuring the approach to identify and solve design problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
A designer would typically use sketches and drawings during the initial stages of the design process. These quick sketches are essential for visualizing ideas and serve as a foundation for further development. They allow the designer to explore various design concepts and assess their strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, they provide a means for brainstorming and idea dumps, which are crucial for mind searches and design sessions.
In the engineering design process, brainstorming alternative solutions is a key step. Here, the widest variety of ideas is considered, and sketches often play a central role. When engineers generate ideas, they typically use a structured approach to ensure a systematic exploration of possible solutions. Understanding the design characteristics often involves creating further drawings and models, evolving as prototypes are later tested and refined.
It's also important to define the design problem effectively, using techniques like finding expert information, identifying the real problem, and gathering customer feedback. The initial visual aids like sketches are often crucial in these stages to communicate the ideas and refine the project's direction before committing to detailed designs and prototypes.