Attributes Quote by Bill Buxton
“When we have this description, of what a sketch is, itsattributes, we can then start inventing new things thatshare those attributes, and therefore improve our currenttechnics by inventing new and better tools that help ussketch.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Sketching User Experiences by Bill Buxton, 2007
Understanding a concept’s attributes lets us creatively combine them to design better tools and methods.
In simple terms: Knowing parts helps create improved tools.
Key Takeaway
Identify key attributes, then innovate.
Themes
design
creativity
toolmaking
Mood
inspired
curious
Type
practical
strategic
When to use this quote
- product design
- software development
- education
- artistic practice
Key Concepts
human‑centered design
innovation
Questions to Reflect On
- What attributes are essential for your current challenge?
- How can you test new tools quickly?
A Different Perspective
May overlook user context if focusing only on attributes.
![“My thesis [is] that in order to design a tool, we must make our best efforts to understand the larger social and physical context within which it is intended to function” quote by Bill Buxton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7d9/bill-buxton-34445_best-effort_my-thesis-is-that-in-order-to-design-a-t_1853012.jpg)
