The Design Process
Following a methodology in design is something that is not only taught but also followed rigorously in all areas of designs. The process gives definition and structure to something that is considered a creative act, thus give meaning to every step taken in this creative course. I would consider the act of solving a math problem as a creative process since we look at arriving at the simplest and correct solution in the shortest number of steps and the least amount of time.
Having done a course in Product Design, I have been grounded with a number of the methods mentioned in the reading. It was surprising to see how designing for completely different areas still has the same base structure of approach. While the process usually starts with the problem identification, in each case, to get a better understanding of the problem extensive literature survey is of foremost importance. Along with this to get to the root of the problem before solving it, a user study is necessary to get a true representation of the problem. This is usually done through a combination of observation, communication and questionnaire or simulation of the situation to get a clearer understanding of the problem. In doing so, we can identify other associated problems and sometimes ideas that one think could be solutions would now seem to be additional problems. This is where the problem definition helps by prioritizing and defining the areas that need attention. Thus problem definition seems so focused and yet extensible to other design ideas.
The ideation process that follows is the solution generating stage. Among the techniques mentioned in the readings I have often used the brainstorming method, and have also directly addressed issues in a product by providing direct solutions for them. The Synectic method, the Manipulative verb method and the mind mapping methods, explained in the reading seem very interesting and creative approaches and after the reading I would consider them to be better than just brainstorming. Like it is said in the reading, a lot of the good ideas come up after sleeping over an idea or after a brainstorming session, and these methods are great food for the idea generation.
The selection of ideas among the generated ones is an even harder process since we are asked to choose between the best of our own ideas. I guess maybe that’s why, using empirical and graphical means of selection where selection is done on the basis of the highest rank, or most features is usually used to select the idea.
The final step of evaluation, as mentioned, characterizes the actual start of design since the decision taken to go with solution needs to be authenticated to be the best solution to a given problem. And thus the design cycle begins again.
Following a methodology in design is something that is not only taught but also followed rigorously in all areas of designs. The process gives definition and structure to something that is considered a creative act, thus give meaning to every step taken in this creative course. I would consider the act of solving a math problem as a creative process since we look at arriving at the simplest and correct solution in the shortest number of steps and the least amount of time.
Having done a course in Product Design, I have been grounded with a number of the methods mentioned in the reading. It was surprising to see how designing for completely different areas still has the same base structure of approach. While the process usually starts with the problem identification, in each case, to get a better understanding of the problem extensive literature survey is of foremost importance. Along with this to get to the root of the problem before solving it, a user study is necessary to get a true representation of the problem. This is usually done through a combination of observation, communication and questionnaire or simulation of the situation to get a clearer understanding of the problem. In doing so, we can identify other associated problems and sometimes ideas that one think could be solutions would now seem to be additional problems. This is where the problem definition helps by prioritizing and defining the areas that need attention. Thus problem definition seems so focused and yet extensible to other design ideas.
The ideation process that follows is the solution generating stage. Among the techniques mentioned in the readings I have often used the brainstorming method, and have also directly addressed issues in a product by providing direct solutions for them. The Synectic method, the Manipulative verb method and the mind mapping methods, explained in the reading seem very interesting and creative approaches and after the reading I would consider them to be better than just brainstorming. Like it is said in the reading, a lot of the good ideas come up after sleeping over an idea or after a brainstorming session, and these methods are great food for the idea generation.
The selection of ideas among the generated ones is an even harder process since we are asked to choose between the best of our own ideas. I guess maybe that’s why, using empirical and graphical means of selection where selection is done on the basis of the highest rank, or most features is usually used to select the idea.
The final step of evaluation, as mentioned, characterizes the actual start of design since the decision taken to go with solution needs to be authenticated to be the best solution to a given problem. And thus the design cycle begins again.
1 comment:
Hi Riddhima, nice blog - came across it when i googled ur name :) well, came to know of you thru ketz - am a student at nyu as well (at Courant), n me and ketz both work at scps , so thats the chain of connection :) ur LUNCHman thing is an awesome idea - ever thot abt mass-producing a more hi-tech version of it ? it would be a very marketable idea :)
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