Interpreting a Brief, Set of Constraints or Creative Problem
Understanding the Brief
- The first step is to both read and understand the brief. Every detail is important so don't miss out on anything.
- Start by highlighting key points in the brief. Look for instructions and specific requirements.
- Jot down the main objectives that you are required to achieve.
- Seek clarification if anything remains ambiguous or unclear. Clear knowledge and understanding pave the way to a good start.
Setting Goals and Constraints
- It's important to understand the limits and constraints that apply to your design project. Restrictions can be based on cost, materials, colours or design language.
- Identify the creative opportunities and challenges within these constraints. Constraints often unlock innovative ideas.
- Plan your design goals within these bounds but don't shy away from pushing the boundaries where necessary.
Analysing the Creative Problem
- Carefully analyse the problem you are supposed to solve with your design.
- Think about the potential audiences and stakeholders who will interact with, or be affected by, the design.
- Understand why there is a need for a design solution to this specific problem.
Generating Ideas
- Generate multiple concepts and ideas to approach your design problem.
- Each idea should be distinct and feasible, resting on unique attributes or unique combinations of attributes.
- Consider having brainstorm sessions where you reflect, sketch, and jot down all your potential solutions.
Evaluating Ideas
- Evaluate each idea against the problem statement, the design constraints, and the objectives.
- Keep the potential end-user in mind, and how the design will influence their experiences or solve their problems.
- Consider feedback and criticism; they are vital parts of the evaluative and refining process.
Refining Ideas
- Refine and iterate your ideas to meet the brief fully and adequately solve the creative problem.
- Be open to making changes, even significant ones, to enhance the effectiveness of your design.
- Remember to show the development and refinement journey of your ideas within your portfolio or design journal.