Design+Process

=About Designing=

As a starting point, it would be useful to look in detail at designing sub-skills and how they fit together in the process of designing. There are many references to the 'design process', but there is really is no such thing as a single design process.

In reality the way a design task is approached will depend on a number of factors - the nature of the problem, the resources available to tackle the problem and the personal approach of the designer will all, to some extent, influence the nature of the process used.

For example, an architectural designer, an engineering designer and a jewellery designer will approach design problems in very different ways, but at some point they may all engage in a number of procedural stages or design functions, similar to the ones shown below. Reflecting the iterative nature of designing, the order of this engagement may vary and stages are often visited more than once. Ultimately, you will need to present your work for assessment. To help with this process, we have found the following model to be useful in providing a planning 'touchstone' that enables you to organise and give structure to your design portfolio. It reflects the fact that design work generally falls into three broad areas:

1. identifying, clarifying and defining the task; 2. generating, developing and selecting ideas; 3. project management, critical reflection and target setting.



You need to explore design tasks in some detail to establish the precise nature of the problem you intend to tackle and then draw up a design brief.
 * Identifying, clarifying and defining the task**

You should also establish relevant design criteria and convert these into clear specifications. This may involve gathering information in a variety of ways, for example through product analysis exercises, user trips, focus group interviews etc'.

This involves you in the processes of concept generation and selection to produce potential solutions, employing creative techniques to help you to think divergently around a problem. When presenting ideas, you need to be able to select and apply a range of appropriate drawing, modelling, presentation and other communication methods that clearly expresses your thinking. Developing ideas can be greatly assisted by the use of modelling techniques. Physical or 'sketch' models can be used to verify design decisions in terms of form and function. Computer generated models can also be used to develop and test ideas. Empirical research and analysis enables you to find out more about the materials and processes that you may wish to consider using in the realisation of your idea. . Work in this area includes planning and reviewing progress. You need to work out what needs to be done and in what order. this needs to be done in ways that will allow you to remain flexible and responsive to changing situations that may arise as the project progresses. You also need to make decisions about aspects of your designs as they develop and reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of your work. Your evaluation skills can also be developed through analysis of existing products and the work of other designers.
 * Generating, developing and selecting ideas.**
 * Project management, critical reflection and target setting**

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