Pattern Illustrating workshop

This workshop highlighted the importance of 'Pattern Illustrating' in the process of pattern language creation. Pattern Illustrating is a process of creating a best-fit illustration which visualizes the essence of each pattern. It has been recognized that patterns illustrations make it easier to pattern readers to understand the core message of each pattern smoothly and remind it in the everyday practices. However, not many pattern creators know that there is also a significant benefit for themselves. The process of creating illustrations, enhances the quality of the pattern description, because it requires people to read it through over and over again and discuss others to reconsider what it really wants to say, to find a best-fit illustration. Therefore, regardless of whether you have a good drawing skill or not, we believe that every pattern creator should at least once try drawing illustrations for their patterns, since that would improve the quality of the entire language. In this workshop, we asked participants to bring their own patterns, discuss with others and reconsider the potential improvements which can be made in the description, through the process of pattern illustrating. We expect this workshop to provide participants with a clear understanding of the Pattern Illustrating with a view to using it effectively in the practice of improving their own patterns.