The Design Process

The design process involves a series of logical and interconnected steps to solve a design problem. It begins by identifying the specific problem that needs to be addressed.

Next, one uses a design brief to describe the problem in detail, explain the steps needed to solve it, and include important information such as requirements, limitations, and details about the client or audience.

The analysis stage is like solving a puzzle. Designers ask important questions like who, what, when, where, why, and how to gather crucial details that will support one's solution.

Research and investigation come into play as designers study existing designs, talk to people involved, explore references, and gather information from various sources that can influence or enlighten one's design solution.

Specifications for the design solution are derived from careful analysis, research, and investigation. These specifications are essential to ensure the effectiveness of the design, even if one feels inspired to start designing before reaching this point.

Once specifications are collected and recorded, the ideation process begins. This is where one comes up with all sorts of creative and innovative ideas for the solution. Sometimes, one may need to revisit this stage later to solve related design problems or to create alternative solutions for clients.

The development stage focuses on the most suitable idea. One creates a final proposal that includes technical details about the proposed design and how it addresses the problem. This proposal goes through various revisions until a prototype is ready to be shared.

The prototype is a crucial part of the design process. It allows the design team, clients, and potential audience members to evaluate the design solution against the brief and suggest any necessary changes or improvements. Many design projects are considered complete once an acceptable prototype is achieved, but others may involve additional production stages not covered here.

During one's design education, one will encounter this design process in various projects and assignments. Getting feedback and guidance from instructors and classmates, both during the design process and in the final design critiques, is incredibly valuable in honing one's skills, building confidence, and preparing for professional design opportunities.

One has probably heard the phrase: There are no rules in art! However, that doesn't mean that all approaches are equally valid and visually successful. To learn and grow, it's important to explore the work of other artists and designers and decide for oneself what one finds successful and visually appealing.