Jono Hey on Sketchplanations

Can you distill a complex concept into a single sketch? Jono Hey can and on this episode, he joins me to talk about Sketchplanations —a project that explains the world, one sketch at a time.

Summary

I’ve been a long-time admirer of Jono’s work, which makes complex ideas accessible and engaging through simple, elegant sketches.
 
We discuss how he manages to turn abstract or intricate concepts into visual explanations that resonate with so many people, while maintaining accuracy and nuance.
 
Jono has a fascinating background in product design and UX, and he shares how his professional journey has influenced his approach to Sketchplanations.
 
We dive into his creative process, discussing the challenges of staying true to his vision while balancing the pressure for commercial success. Jono opens up about the origins of his project, the tools he uses, and the philosophy that keeps him motivated after more than 900 sketches .

We also explore the broader lessons that designers, educators, and anyone curious about the world can draw from Sketchplanations.

From navigating the challenge of accuracy to embracing creativity in visual form, Jono’s insights are valuable for anyone looking to communicate ideas more effectively or understand the world a little better. 

Guest Biography

Jono Hey is the creator of Sketchplanations—a series of sketches that aim to explain the world, one concept at a time. He has a rich background in product design and UX, having worked with various startups, including Nutmeg and Zen Educate, where he led UX, design, and product development.
 
His passion project, Sketchplanations, has gained a wide audience due to its clear, engaging visuals that break down complex ideas into easily digestible formats. Beyond Sketchplanations, Jono has a PhD in product design and has worked across multiple industries, applying his expertise in design thinking and growth strategy.
 
AI-Generated Timestamped Summary
 
[00:00:00] Introduction to the show and Jono Hey's work
 
[00:01:00] My admiration for Sketchplanations and Jono's mission
 
[00:02:00] Jono’s background in product design and UX

[00:04:00] What Sketchplanations are and how they began 

[00:06:00] Jono’s creative challenge and learning exercise
 
[00:08:00] The eclectic nature of Sketchplanations topics
 
[00:11:00] The balance between commercial success and staying true to his interests
 
[00:13:00] How Jono chooses what to sketch and the role of curiosity
 
[00:16:00] The process behind creating each Sketchplanation
 
[00:19:00] Challenges of accuracy and oversimplification
 
[00:22:00] The role of sketches as jumping-off points for further exploration
 
[00:25:00] Staying motivated and balancing artistic integrity with audience feedback
 
[00:29:00] Jono's analogy of a good teacher as a DJ for learning
 
[00:33:00] The importance of timeless content and building a long-term project
 
[00:37:00] Using sketches to connect different topics and foster curiosity
 
[00:43:00] The constraints that shape Sketchplanations' format and identity
 
[00:52:00] Keeping the creative process grounded in simplicity and accessibility
 
[00:57:00] Jono’s decision to allow open use of Sketchplanations for non-commercial purposes
 
[01:01:00] The idea of building a community around freely accessible content
 
[01:04:00] The Sketchplanations podcast, co-hosted by Jono, Rob Bell and Tom Pellereau, and what it offers listeners


Links
Sketchplanations website:  www.sketchplanations.com

Sketchpanation podcast: https://podcast.sketchplanations.com/
 
Jono’s book ‘Big Ideas, Little Pictures: Explaining the world one sketch at a time’: https://sketchplanations.com/big-ideas-little-pictures
 
The YouTube video Jono released to reflect what he’d learned from 900 Sketchplanations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8pWsaeRb8g
 
Sketchplanations referred to on the show
The Golden Circle: https://sketchplanations.com/the-golden-circle
and the associated Sketchplanations pod episode: https://podcast.sketchplanations.com/the-golden-circle/
 
Herd Immunity: https://sketchplanations.com/herd-immunity
 
The Olympic Flag: https://sketchplanations.com/the-olympic-flag
 
The Solstice: https://sketchplanations.com/solstice
 
The Moon Illusion: https://sketchplanations.com/the-moon-illusion
 
The Swiss Cheese Model: https://sketchplanations.com/the-swiss-cheese-model
 
Human Risk: https://sketchplanations.com/human-risk
and the associatedSketchpanations pod episode: https://podcast.sketchplanations.com/human-risk-with-christian-hunt/