Pedagogy: Design Thinking

Design Development: Overview and Design Steps

Janusian Thinking creates synergy between associative thinking (artistic) and logical thinking (scientific) explaining design development by way of process (artistic) and method (scientific). Process is the course taken toward a successful result in sustained sequential effort marked by gradual changes; Method analyzes choices and procedures ensuring design remains on track with respect to project specifications and criteria. Both types of thought are modes of input sensitivity, and both can be linked to emotion and intuition. As responses, these are based upon certain preconceived notions regarding reasoning, ideation, context, that resonate within the mind of the artist-designer. These are authentic and true emotional responses. They go on to support design direction. In turn they reinforce choice and conviction in design development / thinking. Since these create synergy between each other we can think of this system as Synergistic Thinking. This requires skillful flexibility and dexterity between associative thinking (artistic) and logical thinking (scientific). The combination of both styles is a deliberate application of opposing kinds of thought intended to give balance and test design’s development between process and method. This develops critical thinking and problem solving. A series of four steps are aimed at bringing a systematic order to the design process with intent of achieving effective, targeted and consistent design solutions no matter the project.

I. Challenge

1. Research, Empathize and Interpret

Understand the needs, intended use, function described in the project brief by observing, consulting, investigating current examples similar to the project for better understanding. Consider how other designers have attempted to solve similar projects. These can be written as observations, questions.

• Mood boards are useful in this beginning stage

• Written observations or questions

II. Explanation

1. Define the Design Direction

Use insight gained in the challenge phase to analyze and clarify the best design solution stated in the project brief. Now develop this into the design direction statement, and write it in one sentence. Thumbnails and roughs should reflect your design statement.

• Thumbnails

• Roughs

III. Answer

1. Ideate and Prototype

With the design statement developed from the explanation phase, refine roughs into comps. After completing comps transfer those to the computer and begin finishing the design in either a vector or raster format depending on the designs final use.

• Roughs and Comps

• Illustrator or Photoshop

IV. Result

1. Verify by Testing

Critique, assess and experiment, does the design meet the needs and functions as stated in the project brief and discovered in the challenge step. Does the design take into consideration past attempts or consider similar design solutions. Ultimately, the new design should reveal how it is separate from past attempts, current examples or similar designs. To do this compare the prototype to the design statement ensuring they align.

• Print to Proof