The design process is a bit different for everyone. Not only do people have different ways of thinking about a problems and solutions, but everyone has a favorite method for organizing their thoughts. Software is more capable and accessible than ever, so it is tempting to jump straight into a computer to plan a new project. However, you can make the process much easier and more enjoyable if you start with a simple pen and paper. Here is why you should start all of your DIY pedal projects on paper.

No Barrier to Entry

The simplest way of planning things is often the best way to start. Using pen and paper to write down your ideas or sketch a quick design idea does not have a barrier to entry. All you need to do is sit down with paper and pick up a pen. That’s it, there’s no software to learn or complex systems to figure out. However you can get the idea on paper and understand what you wrote is the right way to do it.

Easily Available Wherever You Are

Another reason why paper and pen is a better option for getting started on a new project is that they are available everywhere. As long as you can hold your paper and pen, then you can work on your project.

Tablets and laptops are widely available today. However, they do come at a cost that is much higher than paper and pen. Also, they have to be charged and there is a process to being able to use them. All of this gets in the way of you working on your project.

When an idea develops, you want to get it on paper as soon as possible so that you can harness that moment of inspiration. Nothing is faster than pulling out a notebook and a pen to start jotting down your ideas.

The Most Flexible Workspace

Perhaps the most important reason why you should start a new project with paper and pen is that it gives you the most flexible workspace. There is no right or wrong way to write down your ideas. As long as the notes make sense to you, then you are on the right path.

There are plenty of ways to organize your thoughts as well. For example, you can make a list of the features that you want your pedal to have. You can also write down a list of inspirations for the sound that it makes that inspired your idea. If you are electrical engineering-inclined, you can start by drawing the basic circuit.

All that matters is that you can quickly and effortlessly capture the inspiration behind your idea. You can go back and flesh it out later, but you just need a quick and easy way to get the ideas written down so that you won’t forget them.

Use a Rocket Book to Combine Online Storage with Tactile Planning

My planning method for a new project always begins with pen and paper. While I do enjoy using 8 x 11″ card stock and erasable pens, my favorite options is a Rocket Book. If you are not familiar, Rocket Book makes notebooks and several other options out of durable paper (similar to a plastic page) that is also perfect for use with erasable pens. Not only can you erase using the pen eraser, but you can wipe the pages clean with a damp cloth to completely start over and reuse pages. I keep one of my Rocket Books on my desk or carry it around with me so that I can think about a project when I have time.

The other thing that I like about Rocket Books is that each page has a unique QR code. Using the Rocket Book app, I can scan the pages and save them online in case I want to print them or if I just need to store them for later use. Now I don’t have piles of paper sitting around my desk that need to be organized since I just keep everything in Google Drive.

I also try to only use erasable pens when planning projects, even if not using my Rocket Book. I make a lot of mistakes when trying to write down my ideas, so being able to erase is a big benefit. I have a pack of Pilot Frixion pens in multiple colors so that I can color-code my designs and ideas. For me, this is the perfect combination of paper and pen for capturing project ideas and fleshing them out later.

Plan However Works Best For You

For most people, a quick and tactile way to get ideas on paper is the best way to start a project. However, that may not be true for everyone. Plan however, works best for you. Using pen and paper is supposed to be quick and easy, but the point is for you to get your ideas written down so that you can continue to work on them when you have time. If you have another method that works better for you, then it is perfectly fine to use that method instead.

If you are looking for more information on project planning or project ideas, you can find more on the Builder’s Guitar Lab blog. Need more in-depth help, we have courses on a variety of topics coming soon!