Week 3 Guide: Tools & Software
24-week programme, Foundations Phase. A deeper setup than the fast route, because you will run two full projects.
The Real Problem This Solves
Over 24 weeks you will produce hundreds of files: sketches, photos, notes, tests, versions, and final boards, across two projects. If your tools are unreliable or your files are scattered, you will lose time and evidence. This week builds the vocabulary and the system you will use every week after.
- Design track: desk organiser or creative learner toolkit for Project 1.
- Architecture and spatial track: compact creative learning pod for Project 1.
Key Ideas You Need First
1. Choose tools for tasks, not for prestige
You do not need every tool. You need a small set you can access reliably.
| Task | Good tool | Free or low cost option |
|---|---|---|
| Quick layouts, boards, posters | Canva | Canva free, Google Slides |
| Interface and vector design | Figma | Figma free tier |
| Photo edits | Adobe Express or Photopea | Photopea, GIMP |
| Sketching and thinking | Pencil and paper | Any paper, a phone camera |
2. Analogue sketching is a thinking tool
Sketch before you go digital. It is faster, cheaper, and keeps you thinking about ideas rather than software menus.
3. A file system protects your evidence
Version control for a design student means clear, dated folders and sensible file names, not complicated software.
Tools And Materials Needed
- A device with internet, and free accounts for one layout tool and one design tool.
- Basic physical kit: pencil, paper or sketchbook, ruler, scissors, tape.
- A phone camera for documenting work.
- The Setup & Tools Checklist.
Step-By-Step Walkthrough
- Set up accounts. Create free accounts for one layout tool (Canva or Slides) and one design tool (Figma). Confirm you can sign in reliably.
- Build your folder system. Make one master folder, then subfolders for Project 1, Project 2, Research, Sketches, Prototypes, Tests, and Portfolio.
- Agree a naming rule. Use project, week, task, and version, for example p1-week03-moodboard-v01.
- Run a software orientation. Spend fifteen minutes learning the basics of your design tool: frames, shapes, text, export.
- Warm up with sketching. Ten minutes of free sketching, no judgement.
- Make a first mood board. Collect images that capture the feel of your Project 1 area, and lay them out in your layout tool.
Demonstrated Example
Project 1: desk organiser for a creative learner.
The learner sets up a Figma account, creates a master folder named Box3 24-Week Design, and adds subfolders for Project 1, Research, Sketches, and Portfolio. First files: p1-week03-desk-photo-v01 and p1-week03-moodboard-v01. The mood board gathers images of tidy desks, tool rolls, and workshop shelving to capture the feel they want.
Why this is strong: the system is ready for two projects, files are named so they can be found in week twenty, and the mood board sets a clear direction.
Your Task This Week
- Set up your accounts and confirm reliable access.
- Build the folder system and agree a naming rule.
- Complete a software orientation and a ten minute sketch warm-up.
- Make a first mood board for your Project 1 area.
Submission Checklist
| Upload item | Pass standard |
|---|---|
| Workspace photo | Shows where and how you will work. |
| Folder screenshot | Clear system ready for two projects and a portfolio. |
| Mood board | Captures a direction for your Project 1 area. |
Assessment And Pass Criteria
- Tools are set up and reliably accessible.
- The folder system is clear and scales to two projects.
- File names follow a consistent rule.
- The mood board shows intent, not random images.
Common Mistakes
- Chasing every tool. Pick a small reliable set.
- Messy file names. You will regret final-final-new in week twenty.
- Skipping sketching. Software is not thinking.
- A mood board with no direction. Choose images that share a feeling.
Extension Challenge
Rebuild your mood board in a second tool. Learning how the same idea moves between tools makes you faster all programme.