The Design Process

What exactly is the 'Design Process'?  The design process is a multi-tiered system geared to help creators streamline their developmental process.  While this process tends to vary depending on the field, the essential premise remains.  A design process typically consists of six steps: define the problem, collect information, brainstorm and analyze ideas, develop solutions, gather feedback, and improve. 

1.      Defining the problem: This is the first step usually involving the creator(s) writing a problem statement that describes the ideas and concepts for the project including a clearly defined topic, audience, and purpose.

2.      Collecting Information: This step is all about gathering the necessary materials to support the project.  The materials may include images or text that match the problem statement.

3.      Brainstorming and analyzing: With both the concept and materials becoming clearly defined, the creator(s) can begin work on the first drafts of the project playing with different layouts and designs inspired by the problem statement.

4.      Developing solutions: With the initial drafts now completed, the creator(s) can begin fine tuning and finalizing the project. 

5.      Gathering feedback: Once the project is completed it should be shared with peers to get constructive feedback.

6.      Improve:  In this final step the creator(s) will reference the feedback given to make final revisions to the project.

If these steps are followed correctly, the result of your project should be a well-developed creative piece.   Choosing to alter or skip steps altogether can lead to incompletions or overlooked design errors.  Leaving you with a project that is very rough around the edges.

Works Cited

WHAT IS THE DESIGN PROCESS? WHY IS IT HELPFUL? (n.d.). Retrieved 2018, from DiscoverDesign: https://www.discoverdesign.org/handbook