Design process
Understanding the Design Process
- The design process is a structured method for solving problems creatively and innovatively.
- Firstly, it involves identifying and understanding the problem or need.
- Thorough research is then conducted to gather information about the problem or opportunity, user needs, existing solutions and market trends.
- From the research, design specifications are developed, defining clearly what the design solution must achieve.
- Concepts are generated through idea generation (brainstorming); the creation of multiple potential solutions without judgement or evaluating.
Iterative Design
- The design process is iterative, meaning it involves numerous cycles of designing, prototyping, testing, evaluating and refining.
- Sketches, models, or computer aided designs (CAD) are created and used for prototyping.
- Prototypes are tested to evaluate their functionality and effectiveness against the design specifications.
- Feedback is gathered from users, stakeholders, and technical experts and used to inform the refining of the design.
- The process continues until a satisfying solution is found; it might involve going backwards and forwards several times.
Relevance of Design Process in Innovation
- Use the design process to develop innovative solutions or improve existing products, systems or environments.
- This approach promotes creativity and critical thinking skills while focusing on the end user's needs.
- Design specifications and brainstorming help in innovating as they encourage a wide scope of ideas and solutions.
- The iterative nature of the process allows for continuous refinement, maximising the potential of the design to be innovative and effective.
Implementing the Design
- The final stage of the design process involves bringing the design to reality through production or manufacturing.
- The choice of materials, techniques and processes used in this stage should be dictated by the design specifications.
- Further user testing and evaluations are often conducted after implementation to inform potential future iterations.
- Documentation of the design process through design portfolio or reports is crucial for evaluation, marketing, future development, and intellectual property protection.