A Design Process Revealed
In the article by Doug Bowman “A Design Process Revealed” he discusses the “ins” and “outs” of design work. First the idea is born, research is conducted, thumbnails are created, details are refined, go to the computer, fine tune the design, and finally the finished product proudly displayed. This is the creative process, and one I try to follow. Unfortunately, sometimes I miss a few of those first steps and just skip right to the computer. When I do that, I tend to make the process harder on myself, I have discovered that research and thumbs are a necessity, and should not be over looked.
He also talks about his design for the CSS ZEN Garden, and how he wanted to go above and beyond what had been already done; he wanted something new and fresh. I suppose that spirit is in all designers, to create something no one has done before. We all try to stay fresh; but sometimes we get caught up in what is popular and mainstream, or at least I seem to do that. I want to try and be the fresh thinker, look beyond what something is to what it could be. I’m a work in progress.
So, I think what I learned from Mr. Bowman’s article is to plan what I am going to design on paper first, especially if it is for the web. I should always make sure every “i” is dotted and every “t” crossed before I start on the computer. This will save a lot of time and headaches for me and a client. Also, I should be flexible with my design, sometimes things work and sometimes they do not; but it is not the end of the world, just the possibility for a fresh design.
thinkgemini said,
July 11, 2007 at 6:08 pm
I do the same thing! My biggest mistake is skipping the most important part, research. When I start a project I get so excited with so many ideas I just want to jump straight on the computer and get started. I usually try to sketch out some thumbnails just to get my ideas down quickly.
wayne said,
July 14, 2007 at 11:49 am
Research and planning are often abused in design of digital products for many reasons as you both are saying. Perhaps you can think about how you would like to do the planning and research, create your own process that makes meaning for you, and allows you to be creative in further defining your ideas. Maybe a digital process would be best for you, as there are many applications available that assist the design process (free too!). But I think you will find most great designers have a strong plan behind their work!
Sean said,
July 16, 2007 at 12:15 pm
I usually manage to stay focused enough to do a little research before starting a project, but thumbnails can be monotonous, so I understand where you’re coming from. The part of your analysis with which I agree most is the pursuit of unique, ground-breaking designs. It’s hard to be really innovative, and sometimes it seems like everything’s been done already. Yet somehow we must discover a new approach. To me, that’s what makes us marketable as professional designers.
Michael said,
July 16, 2007 at 5:05 pm
I think just about everybody gets caught up in the mainstream and what is out there are the moment. It is hard to create something that is new and refreshing. I think the best way to do something different is just to see what is already out there and take pieces from it then create your own frankenstein.
Melissa said,
July 16, 2007 at 6:49 pm
Hey April–
Good comments. I definitely agree with you that I’m always eager to jump on the computer. Thumbnails for me are so difficult. At the time, I feel like I can work better at the computer…but, when I’m forced to work through thumbnails the results are always better. I’m a big fan of research and am a “what’s out there” junkie. So, I really enjoy the research and competitive analysis phases of the process.
Mike Townson said,
July 16, 2007 at 8:18 pm
I think your predicament with jumping to a computer before really taking the time to plan out a project is something that every design from our generation struggles with. This was the point of the article and also think he did a good job of getting that across.
derricklp said,
July 17, 2007 at 1:45 am
I agree with you on designing on paper first, because its your foundation and with out that everything else falls apart.