03 the design process

Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of DesignThe Ohio State University

The Design Process

Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of DesignThe Ohio State University

Methodologies& Processes

Solving Problems Systematically

Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of DesignThe Ohio State University

MethodologiesMethodology

• A body of practices, procedures, and rules used by those who work in a discipline or engage in an inquiry; a set of working methods.

Design Methodology

• Breaking down the design activity into steps.

• A method to the madness.

Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of DesignThe Ohio State University

ProcessesDifferent types of design processes:

• Linear

• Cyclical

• Branching

The type of process used depends on the complexity of the product, and the organization of the design firm or office.

Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of DesignThe Ohio State University

Linear Processes

1 2 3 54

Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of DesignThe Ohio State University

Cyclical Processes

1 2 3 54

Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of DesignThe Ohio State University

Branching Processes

1 2 3 4

2

2 3

3 4 5

4

Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of DesignThe Ohio State University

Design Process

Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of DesignThe Ohio State University

Overview1. Problem Definition & Constraints

2. Research

3. Design Cycle

4. Production

5. Evaluation & Review

Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of DesignThe Ohio State University

1. Problem Definition & Constraints

• What does the client want? What are the client’s needs or goals for the design?

• What is the scope of the project?

• What is the proposed budget, timeline and other constraints?

• Who are the intended users or target audience?

Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of DesignThe Ohio State University

2. Research• User Studies

• Client Studies

• Precedent Studies

• Market Analysis

• Benchmarking

• Code and Legal Searching

Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of DesignThe Ohio State University

3. Design Cyclea. Concept Development

b. Design Refinement

c. Feedback

d. Finalizationa b dc

Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of DesignThe Ohio State University

3a. Concept Development

• Informed by Research phase.

• Sketching, visual brainstorming.

• Appearance, visual language.

• What are the possibilities for the design? How can client and users needs best be addressed?

• Ideation and Exploration

Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of DesignThe Ohio State University

3a. Concept Development

Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of DesignThe Ohio State University

3b. Concept Refinement

• Turn rough ideas into presentable concepts.

• Refinement, aesthetics, meaning.

• Detailing, proportions, functionality.

• Anthropometrics, ergonomics.

• Manufacturing processes, materials.

• Mock-ups, Models, Rendered Drawings.

Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of DesignThe Ohio State University

3b. Concept Refinement

Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of DesignThe Ohio State University

3c. Feedback• Client Presentations

• User Testing

• Usability Analyses

Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of DesignThe Ohio State University

3d. Finalization• Creation of specific documentations of the design.

• Hard numbers and concrete decisions are made.

• VC: Final Comps

• IS: Contract Documents

• ID: Mechanical Drawings

Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of DesignThe Ohio State University

4. Production• Often this includes working with manufacturers,

contractors, printers, and/or programmers to oversee the proper implementation and execution of the intended design.

Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of DesignThe Ohio State University

5. Evaluation• Evaluate the success of the design.

• Did it meet goals and expectations?

• Did it solve the identified problem or opportunity?

• Did it create new problems?

•You’re only as good as your last job.