This is a great thread that highlights the need to improve our understanding of the design work flow. The good news is that many of you have responded correctly that using a 2D sketch to create your basic design, testing limits of motion, etc, is a good starting point.
In the excellent Built By Design videos, the FIRST team members highlight many of the issues brought up in this thread and provide solutions. Start by taking a look at this,
http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Invento...2_2D_Sketching