My diverse design journey let me explore and develop certain skills and tools for different uses and from
different perspectives.
Scroll down to explore a short story of my design journey in a form of a
VISUAL THINKING & SKETCHING
POTFOLIO
Introducing a collection of my work from multiple stages of my design journey with a strong focus on design thinking and visual storytelling. Through sketching, diagramming, and conceptual exploration, I have developed the ability to communicate ideas clearly and meaningfully. Today, these skills allow me to bridge architecture and product thinking, guiding the creation of thoughtful and impactful design outcomes.
1.
Sketching Ideas into Spaces
ARCHITECTURAL WORKS
This section presents selected architectural projects, with a focus on design thinking through sketching and illustrative diagramming. Freehand drawings and visual narratives serve not only as representations, but as tools for exploration—testing ideas, shaping forms, and uncovering opportunities. These works highlight my ability to tell stories of space, geometry, and human experience through the language of sketches and diagrams.
Urban Park Eatery
A SCHOOL OF COOKING, A FOOD HALL AND A MARKET WITH A PROVISION FOR GROWING FOOD
MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE | BA2
CONCEPT STORYBOARDING | A PARK IN A CITY
At the start of the project, I created a simple storyboard to convey the idea of the space: a calm, restorative area for office workers in the heart of the city. These early sketches helped translate the concept into tangible forms and communicate the intended experience in a clear, accessible way.
SKETCHFUL IDEATION | EXPLORATION OF FORM
Freehand sketching lets me quickly and intuitively explore forms and concepts. By visualizing initial ideas simply, I can imagine possibilities, identify potential challenges, and uncover opportunities, while developing a clearer understanding of architectural geometry.
ERGONOMICS IN MOTION | USER STUDIES & STORIES OF SPACES
I learn through sketching. To analyze the ergonomics of designed spaces and create positive user experiences, I produce simple sectional drawings that visualize movement and interactions across activities, while beginning to define the stories of each space.
Re-Energising Burnley
MANCHESTER SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE | BA3
ENERGY CENTRE FOR THE BURNLEY MARKET
CONCEPTUAL DOODLES | PARTI & FEATURE
I ideate through visuals, exploring multiple perspectives and creating conceptual sketches to communicate key design ideas and processes. These sketches provide a visual foundation for further development, and I draw inspiration from abstract shapes and forms to create meaningful concepts.
CONTEXTUAL SKETCHING | MASTERPLANNING
I analise through sketching and illustration - creating highly detailed illustrations to understand the existing and communicate the new.
SKETCHING OUT THE USER EXPERIENCE | EXPLODED AXONOMETY
I use exploded axonometric sketches to communicate the stories of spaces and the experiences they offer. These detailed illustrations visualize how the spaces are used, by whom, and how their components relate, allowing me to explore and explain design concepts clearly and effectively.
STORYTELLING THE TECHNICALITIES | CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
I transform technical processes into visual stories, turning complex steps into engaging narratives. Through illustrations that capture the flow of construction, I make the process clear, captivating, and easy to understand for the audience.
2.
The Making of Meaning
DESIGN THINKING
This section showcases a series of design thinking methods translated into visual forms. Through knowledge mapping, data processing, and drawing connections, I explored ways to collect and analyse information for a conceptual project. These methods are grounded in human-centered design tools, highlighting how research can be transformed into insights that guide meaningful design outcomes.
'Points of Direction'
UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY | Master of Interaction Design & Electronic Arts
IDEA9106 - Design Thinking
CONNECTING DOTS THROUGH KNOWLEDGE MAPPING | RESEARCH & UNDERSTANDING
I explore problem areas through visual design thinking, weaving together information from multiple sources. Mind maps help me trace connections, reveal patterns, and uncover insights, guiding the development of solutions that respond meaningfully to the challenges at hand.
PRODUCT STORIES AS CONCEPTUAL ILLUSTRATIONS | ITERATION & COMMUNICATION OF IDEAS
Through conceptual sketches and storyboards, I bring ideas to life, illustrating how products might be used and how they respond to human needs. Each drawing becomes a narrative, guiding understanding and shaping the design as it evolves.
REFLECTION AND COMMUNICATION VIA KNOWLEDGE MAPPING | EXPLANATION OF THE PROCESS
I reflect on and communicate the design process visually, illustrating what has been done, how it was carried out, and the connections between each phase. This approach ensures that the client can clearly understand the process, its decisions, and their implications.
PROCESS DIAGRAMMES | INTERPRETATION & EXPLANATION OF IMPLEMENTATION OF DESIGN PROCESSES
Through simple diagrams, I illustrate how my team and I applied design methods and processes throughout the project, making the workflow and implementation clear and understandable.
3.
Visual thinking in the making of experience
EXPERIMENTAL PRODUCT DESIGN
This section presents a conceptual product design exercise from the Experience Design Laboratory. Using mind mapping and other design thinking methods, I translated the interaction aesthetics of existing software service (Spotify) into a physical object (bus stop). The process involved researching, analyzing, and synthesizing interaction logic, exploring how function, functionality, and expressive qualities combine to create meaningful experiences. Through visual thinking, I developed conceptual solutions that make interaction tangible and discoverable.
'Points of Direction'
UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY | Master of Interaction Design & Electronic Arts
IDEA9106 - Design Thinking
MIND MAPPING, VISUAL ANALYSIS, ITERATIVE SKETCHING | DESIGN PROCESS THROUGH VISUAL THINKING
I guide my design process through drawing and visual exploration, using sketches and diagrams to uncover connections, spark ideas, and shape solutions. Freehand sketching allows me to experiment with forms and concepts, while visual communication helps me refine and share insights throughout the iterative design journey.
DIGITAL & AI TOOLS | CREATION OF ADVERTISING MATERIALS TO COMMUNICATE STORIES OF THE PRODUCTS
I use digital tools to create high-quality visuals that communicate the stories of my ideas and concepts. I integrate AI thoughtfully into the design process to support idea generation and visualization. By building on its suggestions and insights, I enrich both the development of my designs and the presentation of my work.
4.
Patterns of Thought
ACADEMIC RESEARCH
This section showcases my academic analyses of case studies, approached through the lens of visual thinking. By translating complex research into diagrams, mappings, and illustrative narratives, I reveal connections and insights that might remain hidden in text alone. These works demonstrate how I use visual storytelling as a method of analysis—turning data and theory into accessible, engaging, and meaningful design knowledge.
IDEA9202 - Experience Design Studio
MASTER OF INTERACTION DESIGN & ELECTRONIC ARTS
UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
KNOWLEDGE MAPPING & ILLUSTRATION | EXPLANATION & UNDERSTANDING OF ACADEMIC WORKS
Through visual thinking, I translate academic texts into diagrams and illustrations that reveal their underlying structures. By mapping knowledge, I uncover connections, highlight key concepts, and transform dense research into accessible narratives—drawing both inspiration and insights from the process.
ready for my next
design adventure
connect.
struminska.dominika@gmail.com
