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HOWTO

Draw Your Napkin
in 3 Steps

STEP 1 Draw the as few words as possible – just enough to
Big Picture explain what’s happening. Focus on the main
transition points on the drawing and use
To begin, sit back and consider the big short call-outs to draw attention to these
picture view of your idea. In what context areas. Avoid the use of industry buzzwords
will it be used? How will it impact users? and jargon; use words that clearly describe
Will it interface and share inputs and outputs the key activities of the drawing. Use key
with other solutions? Reflect on the impact words to highlight focal points and areas
it will make in a user setting. Then, draw a requiring explanation. It’s useful to present
picture to illustrate this – use people, images, your picture with minimal words to someone
directional arrows, motion indicators, and who is unfamiliar with the idea.
other visual markers to show your idea in
action. At this step, draw only a picture; STEP 3 Highlight the
don’t use any words. Unique Attributes

Once you’ve got a draft of your picture, show The last step in your Napkin Drawing is to
it to friends, family, and colleagues to test it highlight the “Unique Attributes” – what is
out. Do they grasp the essence of the idea? distinctive, special, or unique about your idea?
Do you have the scope right? Are you missing Push for precision on these attributes – avoid
any elements? using generic terms such as “faster”, “smoother”,
or “more effective”. It‘s not necessary to reveal
STEP 2 Add a Few trade secrets about your intellectual property
Key Words when describing these attributes. In fact, you
should avoid this. Simply articulate the unique
Words have a place on your napkin drawing, advantages your idea is able to deliver over
although they should be carefully chosen. other approaches. Summarize these on the
Two- or three-word call-outs are useful to bottom corner of your napkin.
“connect the dots” in your drawing. Use

Don’t overcomplicate things – keep your napkin drawing clean
and simple so people can easily engage with the concept.

1-6 What’s Your Idea?