The Design Process

Design 200: Introduction to Design

Department of Design The Ohio State University

Methodologies & Processes

Solving Problems Systematically

Design 200: Introduction to Design

Department of Design The Ohio State University

Methodologies
Methodology

A body of practices, procedures, and rules used by

Design Methodology

those who work in a discipline or engage in an inquiry; a set of working methods.

Breaking down the design activity into steps. A method to the madness.
Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of Design The Ohio State University

Processes
Different 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 Design The Ohio State University

Linear Processes

Design 200: Introduction to Design

Department of Design The Ohio State University

Cyclical Processes

Design 200: Introduction to Design

Department of Design The Ohio State University

Branching Processes
2 1 2 2 3 3 3
Design 200: Introduction to Design

4 4 4
Department of Design The Ohio State University

Design Process

Design 200: Introduction to Design

Department of Design The Ohio State University

Overview
1. Problem Definition & Constraints 2. Research 3. Design Cycle 4. Production 5. Evaluation & Review

Design 200: Introduction to Design

Department of Design The Ohio State University

1. Problem Denition & Constraints

What does the client want? What are the clients 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 Design The 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 Design The Ohio State University

3. Design Cycle
a. Concept Development b. Design Refinement c. Feedback d. Finalization

Design 200: Introduction to Design

Department of Design The 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 Design The Ohio State University

3a. Concept Development

Design 200: Introduction to Design

Department of Design The Ohio State University

3b. Concept Renement

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 Design The Ohio State University

3b. Concept Renement

Design 200: Introduction to Design

Department of Design The Ohio State University

3c. Feedback
Client Presentations User Testing Usability Analyses

Design 200: Introduction to Design

Department of Design The 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 Design The 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 Design The 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? Youre only as good as your last job.
Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of Design The Ohio State University