It is important to include detailed sketches in your engineering notebook. Remember, the notebook should be used as a tool. The more details you include in developing ideas will help you when you begin to build.
This is especially true if a team splits into different building groups, with one group building a chassis while another begins building the lift. Often students will struggle with communication about how these subsystems will integrate together. Make sure the notebook communicates this before you begin to build.
Also, be sure to include motor placement in your sketches. Often students will build the chassis or lift and forget to integrate the motors when they build. It is much easier to attach the motors to metal before the chassis and lifts are built. Otherwise, you will end up taking apart sections of the robot in order to integrate the motors.
This is especially true if a team splits into different building groups, with one group building a chassis while another begins building the lift. Often students will struggle with communication about how these subsystems will integrate together. Make sure the notebook communicates this before you begin to build.
Also, be sure to include motor placement in your sketches. Often students will build the chassis or lift and forget to integrate the motors when they build. It is much easier to attach the motors to metal before the chassis and lifts are built. Otherwise, you will end up taking apart sections of the robot in order to integrate the motors.
Sketching
In the sample below, notice how text annotations accompany the sketches to communicate details such as gear size and motor placement.
CAD Drawings
CAD drawings are nice but not necessary. Some students prefer to use CAD because they find it easier to communicate their ideas. Autodesk Inventor is a software company that integrates VEX parts into their library. Check out the many Autodesk Resources and Free Software for the VEX Robotics Community.