Design process whole design process used at chichester college - done

The design process is used by all designers in order to generate and develop solutions to solve problems or

‘challenges’

The design process is made up of 5 stages:

- Briefing

- Research

- Initial Ideas

- Design Development

- Final Outcome + Presentation of Design Solution

Research

There should always be a period of time at the start of a project spent thinking about the brief and researching the

subject or problem.

Research helps designers to learn more about a subject and understand the problem and inspire ideas.

Research should be both primary (visits, interviews, analysis of ‘real’ objects or spaces) and secondary (internet, books,

journals)

Research can be on history, trends, lifestyle, materials, processes, competing designs.

Initial Ideas

Brainstorming can be an excellent way to begin a project.

Next discuss ideas and make sketches, concept models, notes and references.

At this stage it is important to be open-minded. Allow ideas to be limitless and to let them ‘flow’.

Be sure to record and document every thought and idea on paper, in sketchbook or design sheet.

Everything is valid at this stage.

Design Development

After generating initial ideas, next comes the development stage.

This is when ‘process’ sketches and models are made. These are better quality than ‘concept’ models and help you to

explore, reflect and develop your design ideas.

The quality of developmental work will improve and refine as your project progresses and design decisions move forward

During this stage you will be modifying, adapting and evaluating your ongoing work.

Final Outcome + Presentation of Design Solution

Presenting a final design solution to a group, large or small, at the end of a project when the work is complete or the concept

is fully formed is essential.

It is important to communicate your design solution using effective visual, written and verbal communication.

This can take the take the form of presentation models, full-size prototypes, design boards/banners, CAD work,

PowerPoint presentations, or other digital media methods (animations, video, etc.)

Presenting a final design should be considered an integral part of the process. After all, if the client doesn’t like the work then

it wont go into production.

Presenting develops fundamental skills and is considered as important as skills like research or development.