There are many values of sketch ideation on paper. It not only saves much time and digital effort but also is one of the most useful communication tools when thinking through interface designs.

1. Brainstorming
As a communication tool amongst team members, sketching is a quick way to brainstorm on the fly and work through use-case scenarios.

2. Communicating
Sketching out interfaces is useful as a communication tool amongst team members. Presenting a strategy or functionality to visual design or technical is much less intimidating in the form of a sketch as opposed to a formal deliverable. This is very useful when designs need to be tweaked for minor improvements.

3. Storyboarding
Interactions are hard to sketch, however, main states of interfaces can easily be represented on sketches and presented as a storyboard.

4. A pre-final-wireframe
Sketch wireframes alleviates the need to go back and retrofit digital wireframes, which is not only costly but also not very exciting. Start wire framing initially with sketches. Once a final sketch is prepped it will serve well as a compelling piece to digitize.

5. Client discussions
Effectively communicating ideas to clients doesn’t always have to be a long slick presentation. Sometimes it is the simple piece of paper as the main discussion point that will get your point across.

His condensed advices are:

– Don’t focus too much on the attractiveness of your sketch, instead go straight there were the problem lies. To be effective with the sketch you should be quick and iterative. Always use feedback of your team (or users) and create new sketches basing on the responses.

– On the other hand don’t sketch too messily, otherwise it will fail to be understood.

– Focus on the overall structures, don’t get too detailed with your sketch. Try to develop a solid base for your final design, leave the detail for later wireframing.