Sketching as an engine of research and development thinking
Anna Lobovikov-Katz,
Technion –
Abstract:
Sketching is a natural way to communicate ideas quickly: with only a few
pencil strokes, complex shapes can be evoked in viewers. Freehand
sketching is well-known for its contribution to the development of
spatial-visual ability, which is a must for success in STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
Furthermore, sketching is a natural tool for formulating ideas in
diverse areas – from engineering to abstract theoretical matters.
The inter- and multidisciplinarity of the modern research and
development reality turns sketching into a universal tool for the
ideas exchange between experts from different areas.
However, the traditional methods for the development of practical
ability in sketching are time-consuming, and the application of
sketching is limited mostly to design-related areas.
This brings sketching out of reach of researchers, developers, and
engineers. I will cover its applications to ideation, spatial
reasoning, and design thinking.
The lecture addresses the subject by shifting the main focus from the
result to the process of sketching [2]. It introduces a methodology
for the rapid development of practical sketching ability, and
exemplifies its « thinking » uses, through live sketching [3].
[1] https://annalobovikovkatz.academia.edu/
[2] https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-48496-9_27
[3] with the help of Rapid Learning Methodology in Freehand Sketching
(RaLeMeFS), developed by author
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-48496-9_27
[4] Olsen, L., Samavati, F., Sousa, M. C., Jorge, J., 2009.
Sketch-based modeling: A survey. Computers & Graphics. 33, 85–103
Bio
Anna Lobovikov-Katz (Architect, PhD.), leader and participant of EU
research projects; over 20 years of interdisciplinary research in
Conservation of Cultural Heritage (CCH), heritage education,
e-learning; author and teacher of methodologies (e.g. RALEMEFS) in
wide spectrum of visual disciplines (descriptive geometry,
perspective, freehand drawing, painting) as applicable to CCH, arts,
architecture, design, STEM. Educated at the Academy of Arts and the
State University of Architecture, St. Petersburg; MSc, PhD – Technion
(Israel Institute of Technology); awarded international prizes in
research; chaired and organized international CCH symposia; member of
scientific committees; authored scientific publications; gave invited
lectures and university seminars in Europe and America; received
international awards in fine arts and exhibited paintings at solo and
juried exhibitions and museums in France, Israel, Italy, USA. Her
students’ arts and CCH works exhibited in Israel, Italy, Spain
Date: 2019-Feb-04 Time: 11:30:00 Room: 020
For more information:
- jorgej@acm.org
- 213100363
Upcoming Events
Mathematics, Physics & Machine Learning Seminar Series (Online)

The Mathematics, Physics & Machine Learning seminar series has started on October 2020 and runs until March 2021.
The seminars aim to bring together mathematicians and physicists interested in machine learning (ML) with ML and AI experts interested in mathematics and physics, with the goal of introducing innovative Mathematics and Physics-inspired techniques in Machine Learning and, reciprocally, applying Machine Learning to problems in Mathematics and Physics.
Attendance is free but registration is required.
More information is available here.
International European Conference on Parallel and Distributed Computing

The 27th International European Conference on Parallel and Distributed Computing (Euro-Par 2021) will take from August 30 to September 3 2021 in Lisbon.
Euro-Par is the prime European conference covering all aspects of parallel and distributed processing, ranging from theory to practice, from small to the largest parallel and distributed systems and infrastructures, from fundamental computational problems to full-fledged applications, from architecture, compiler, language and interface design and implementation, to tools, support infrastructures, and application performance aspects.
The 2021 edition of Euro-Par will be organized as a collaboration between INESC-ID and Instituto Superior Técnico (IST).
Important Dates:
– Abstract Submission: February 5, 2021
– Paper Submission Deadline: February 12, 2021
– Author Notification: April 30, 2021
– Camera-Ready Papers: June 6, 2021
More information is available here.