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Analytical drawing - AQAAnalytical drawing for design

Artists use analytical drawing techniques to explore and record their subject matter. Designers also often use analytical drawing to investigate the visual qualities of their sources of inspiration.

Part of Art and DesignPortfolio and External Assessment

Analytical drawing for design

Student textile design analytical study
This student's analytical study for a textiles design project concentrates on the texture and natural patterns of crocodile skin

Drawing for design involves exploring qualities that are appropriate to the design area.

For example, a student developing ideas for textiles may be interested in exploring shapes which can be developed into motifs, or pattern. A student studying architecture may be more interested in form.

The table below lists areas of analytical drawing that could help in different design areas.

Graphic communicationInterior design
Drawings of imagery related to the design briefDrawings of a particular source of inspiration
Emphasis on line, shape and colourEmphasis on shape, form, texture, pattern and colour
Stylised drawings simplifying detailExplore qualities in line, tone and colour
Graphic communicationDrawings of imagery related to the design brief
Interior designDrawings of a particular source of inspiration
Graphic communicationEmphasis on line, shape and colour
Interior designEmphasis on shape, form, texture, pattern and colour
Graphic communicationStylised drawings simplifying detail
Interior designExplore qualities in line, tone and colour
Product designArchitecture and environmental design
Drawings of a particular source of inspirationDrawings of a particular source of inspiration
Emphasis on shape, form and colourEmphasis on shape, form and pattern
Line drawings exploring shape and formTonal drawings exploring shape and form
Tonal drawings exploring formLine drawings exploring repetition of shape and form
Product designDrawings of a particular source of inspiration
Architecture and environmental designDrawings of a particular source of inspiration
Product designEmphasis on shape, form and colour
Architecture and environmental designEmphasis on shape, form and pattern
Product designLine drawings exploring shape and form
Architecture and environmental designTonal drawings exploring shape and form
Product designTonal drawings exploring form
Architecture and environmental designLine drawings exploring repetition of shape and form
JewelleryTextiles and fashion design
Drawings of a particular source of inspirationDrawings of a particular source of inspiration
Emphasis on shape, form, texture, pattern and colourEmphasis on colour, shape, texture, form and pattern
Line drawings exploring texture and patternLine drawings exploring texture and pattern
Repetition of shape and form in tonal drawingsTonal drawings to be developed into motifs
Explore shape, form, pattern and texture in colour drawingsExplore repetition, shape, texture and pattern in colour drawings
JewelleryDrawings of a particular source of inspiration
Textiles and fashion designDrawings of a particular source of inspiration
JewelleryEmphasis on shape, form, texture, pattern and colour
Textiles and fashion designEmphasis on colour, shape, texture, form and pattern
JewelleryLine drawings exploring texture and pattern
Textiles and fashion designLine drawings exploring texture and pattern
JewelleryRepetition of shape and form in tonal drawings
Textiles and fashion designTonal drawings to be developed into motifs
JewelleryExplore shape, form, pattern and texture in colour drawings
Textiles and fashion designExplore repetition, shape, texture and pattern in colour drawings
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Subjects for analytical drawing

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