Explaining the world one sketch at a time

Sketchplanations makes complex ideas simple with clear, insightful sketches. Explore topics from science, creativity, psychology, and beyond explained in pictures.

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Recent sketches

On microwaves

Every time I stop and think about a microwave I am reminded of Arthur C Clarke’s 3rd law of prediction: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” Right up there with wifi and MRI. All just magic. Also, I think you can use microwaves that little bit better when you understand what’s really going on.…

10 Aug 2013

Remove text formatting

OK, so this seems like the most complex yet, but I find myself doing this small and rapid series of key strokes many times a day and it saves a whole lot of fiddling. Update: Several people have helpfully pointed out to me that you can do this better and more easily simply with Control + shift + v on PC and Command + Alt + Shift + V on Mac. More time saved!…

9 Aug 2013

Draw iconic objects

The key is endarkening edges where you can’t see both sides. And maybe a little more on the bottom for solidity. That’s about it.…

8 Aug 2013

Cook rice like a pro

Or, buy a rice cooker. You won’t regret it. But still no peeking.…

7 Aug 2013

Two socks helps prevent blisters

By moving the rubbing from sock-to-foot, to sock-to-sock.…

6 Aug 2013

Adjust a photo’s levels to maximise your data

Not enough people understand those tricky level diagrams. Generally, move the white and black points to the edge of the data to get the most range out of the data in your photo.…

5 Aug 2013

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