Manual Drafting
Manual drafting is the traditional process of creating technical drawings, architectural plans, or engineering schematics by hand using tools like drafting boards, T-squares, triangles, compasses, and pencils. It involves precise line work, lettering, and scaling to produce detailed, accurate representations of designs before the advent of computer-aided design (CAD). This skill was foundational in fields such as architecture, engineering, and manufacturing for centuries.
Developers should learn manual drafting to understand fundamental design principles, spatial reasoning, and attention to detail, which are transferable to digital design and CAD software. It is particularly useful in historical preservation, educational contexts, or when working with legacy drawings, as it provides insight into traditional drafting techniques and enhances problem-solving skills in physical design processes.