Process.
Thinking Design.
Thinking Design.
A DESIGNER’S ROLE
Framing: Setting the agenda, outlining the boundaries and scope of the project
Problem solving:
Finding new opportunities by exploring existing problems
Function and Form:
Communicating value and meaning
Style:
Styles come and go, but they should always align with audience culture
DESIGNERS ARE VISUAL AMBASSADORS OF IDEAS: WE DISTILL,
TRANSLATE, COMMUNICATE — AND OCCASIONALLY AGITATE
TRANSLATE, COMMUNICATE — AND OCCASIONALLY AGITATE
DESIGN PROCESS
DEFINE
Every design project begins with
a problem. Other considerations
such as budget, schedule,
technology, skills, media, form,
navigation, and even content,
grow out of a problem.
Everything is subordinate to
the problem.RESEARCH
The initial goal of research is to
acquire enough basic knowledge
to enable you to ask the right
questions. Web research, blogs,
background interviews, the
library, or reaching out to
informed sources — the process
can stretch endlessly unless you
take stock of the time, budget
and resources that constrain
you and make a practical
assessment of what is feasible.
IDEATE
At the core of any effective design
solution is the realization of a
simple and clear concept or idea.
An idea serves a purpose. An
idea is always the answer to a
problem. In order to realize an
idea’s potential, first boil it down
to its core. Define an idea in
relationship to the problem it
solves.PROTOTYPE
Form is the last aspect of design
and involves decisions on visual
elements, formats and defining
a visual language. While research
and concept development clarify
the direction, goals and
underlying ideas that will drive
a possible solution, giving the
idea form is a premise of design.
Prototyping usually begs
constructive criticism, feedback,
and in some cases, user testing.IMPLEMENT
Implementation requires some
up-front planning and verification.
While there was an initial budget
estimate, this is the time to review
project scope and initiate any
change orders necessary, prepare
specifications, select, solicit and
negotiate bids from contractors,
establish quality criteria, prepare
and deliver a final budget and
schedule. The project culminates
with the delivery of assets to the
various distribution channels. 
Process Flow Chart
enlarge/download
enlarge/download
