While the design process is linear, it is never parallel. As a designer, taking on every aspect of a project and then some is essential, all while keeping the end goal in mind and remaining flexible throughout the process. This is all part of the job.
Asking the Important Questions
To kick off any project, it’s important to answer the key questions: Who? What? Where? Why? When? How? Establishing clear answers can shape the direction for your project. For example:
- Who? Hearing the clients wants and needs is imperative.
- What? Is it a print product, a digital ad, or a campaign? The list goes on. Whatever it is, the content will typically dictate the design.
- Where will this project be seen? Consider the surrounding elements and people.
- Why? There is always a purpose to design.
- When? Knowing the deadlines is crucial for the design team and the client.
- How can I make this project come to life?
Brainstorming
Brainstorming is essential after determining the project’s direction; it helps a vision come into production. Only half of the design ideas might go through the production process, however, that is just a part of design never being parallel. Therefore, a good designer will always move forward with the strongest idea and create variations of it. That way, the client will ultimately choose their favorite option.
Always Revising
A first draft is achieved by adding, deleting, redoing, and repeating different variations of a design. Then, this process is iterated with client feedback and revisions. However, no matter how many steps forward or backward are taken along the way, a good designer strives to confidently accomplish the final product.
Designers set the course, tackle challenges, navigate difficulties, and handle feedback.Designing is a process that may involve some confusion and experimentation. Yet, to create an unparallel design, one must be open to exploring new directions and deviating from the conventional path.
