The creative process is an important aspect when it comes to design. The design world is a fast paced area, and as designers, it’s important that we are always thinking one step ahead of the curve. But how do we achieve amazing designs so they’re unique and captivating? That is where the creative design process comes into play. In order to get to the final product, it’s important that we take all the necessary steps to reach our absolute potential.
There are 4 main components to the creative process: observation, brainstorming, prototype and implementing. They may seem like straight forward steps, but each involves extensive planning and research.
Just like with anything else, it’s imperative to observe and understand what the product is going to be. In this stage, designers should gather data and do their research before moving forward with any project. Has the product already been done? Does the product define the needs of the client(s)? As designers, we are never going to get our product right on the first try it takes many different ideas. Clients aren’t always going to give you every little bit of information you might need for the project; you are going to have go out and do your own research, outside of the client meetings.
Brainstorming also involves some more research. Designers should create many rough drafts and sketches that are all taken from the collected data that are conducted in the observation stage. It’s important to come up with various designs incase the first few prototypes end up not working out. Once the brainstorming and observation phases have been completed, the next step is to create prototypes of the designs. This means that as the designer, we need to figure out who the target audiences are, how your client wants to get their message out, etc. Ideas can come from anything; from books, to art, etc. The brainstorming step may also include typography, color scheme, graphics, and so on. In this step, designers might also create a mind map. A mind map in graphic design, helps a designer expand their thoughts into various sections. They might be key words that the designer thought of, and expand off of that word or phrase. It’s a great tool, especially if you have a brain block going on.
These prototypes should be as close to the final product as possible. It may also be wise to get feedback from various groups of people. This is also the stage in which we address any and all problems and flaws that may arise. These prototypes may vary from one another but are based around the collected information from the first two steps. How is your design going to look? Is it visually appealing to a viewer? Everything that a designer brings to the table should have a purpose, it shouldn’t just be dropped on a page simply because you think its interesting – it should have a purpose.
Last, but certainly not least, is the implement stage. This is the final stage of the design process. Here, designers tie up any loose ends and being producing the final product, which is based on the prototype. If you did all of your prototypes on paper, it is time to put them onto the computer and make them spectacular. At this point, you should have feedback from the client and this is where you tweak things to make the client(s) 100% satisfied.
You may have to do these steps over more than once or twice in order to make the client completely happy.
Sources:
http://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2009/10/systematizing-the-graphic-design-process/
http://www.thedesigncubicle.com/2009/05/11-steps-of-a-successful-logo-design-process/
http://inspirationfeed.com/articles/design-articles/design-process-flowchart-that-all-freelancers-designers-must-have/
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