The design process (or design cycle) is a series of steps used to solve a variety of complex communications technology challenges or problems:

If your were asked to create a new logo for a client, how would you start? Would you:

1. Jump onto a computer, load up Photoshop and start mixing up some graphics 

2. Grab a pencil and paper and start drawing 

When given the task to create something new, many people will just dive right in to the "CREATE" phase. Actually - NEITHER of those steps is the "disciplined" approach. The design process suggests that the RIGHT technique is to start with investigation to see what's needed, and what's already out there.

Like planning a long road trip - if you want to get the MAXIMUM impact using an EFFICIENT route, you've got to make some plans up front, and do some research to see the routes that others have taken.

The Design Process is intended to guide you through a professional (and smarter) series of steps to arrive at a BETTER final product with fewer mistakes along the way.

Make note of what's involved at EACH step of the design process from the list below:

1. INVESTIGATE (strategy)

Identify the problem

- What has to be accomplished? What does the "client" require?

- Who is the target Audience? What do THEY expect?

- What's the point? 

- What resources do you have? 

Gather Information 

- Gather SAMPLES or WEBLINKS of what looks good to you! 

- Record information, establish a plan of procedures, look into the "state of the art" by examining other solutions on the web

- Try to establish the "rules" and criteria others have used to solve this kind of problem

- Specifications - size, resolution, media 

2. PLAN (concept)

Brainstorm

- Create simple sketches or lists of as many solutions as possible, demonstrating the rules you established above 

- Test the Viability of each suggested solution, and compare each solution to the design criteria, refining and modifying it as required; Do your ideas satisfy the the requirements 

- Evaluate the solutions (e.g., by testing, modelling, and documenting results) and choose the best one; 

3. CREATE (design)

Produce a working quality drawing, model, or prototype of the best solution; 

4. EVALUATE (execute)

- Evaluate the prototype and what is required to produce it; how flexible is it? What variations does it offer? 

- Present the solution, using one or more of the following: final drawings, technical reports, electronic presentations, flow charts, storyboards, mockups, prototypes, and so on; 

- Obtain feedback on the final solution and repeat the design process if necessary to refine or improve the solution.