Posts tagged design and process

Design and Process: Week 3 wrap-up

Hey all, 

Last week we looked at different processes that designers use to make work. As we’ve been discussing, design exists in many formats and contexts, and the processes used to make such a diverse spread of work are also varied and plentiful.

We talked about the difference between “Design Thinking” and “thinking about design.” Do you think you could describe that difference if someone asked you? Try it out next time someone asks you about this class.

We talked about the different kinds of creative processes designers engage in. Did our discussions make you consider your own practice in a new light? Did you take a second look at your workspace? Did you reconsider how you might approach a design project?

We went on individual walks during class on Thursday to see if an every-day process could be fodder for creative thought. I’m looking forward to seeing your documentation of your experiences! *** Make sure to post your walk response to Tumblr before 9am Tuesday morning. Remember, this response can take whatever form you choose. Share some photographs. Write a short essay. Draw a picture. Make a comic. Scan the notes you took while you walked. Write a poem. Scan a piece of trash you picked up. Tell us the story of where you walked and what you saw.

What do I hope you gain from last week’s discussions and readings? I hope you understand that the PROCESS is just as important (if not more so!) than the PRODUCT. We work in a production-oriented field, and it can be hard sometimes to value the time-consuming steps that a creative project can require. But if you can learn to value process, if you can learn to enjoy the experimentation and discovery that results from engaging with ideas and materials, you’ll see your investment reflected in your results.

Or, at least, you’ll be enjoying a process.

Project #1: Proposals

As promised in class today, here is some guidance for the proposals that are due on Thursday.

You will propose a project that is similar in concept or form to your chosen research topic.

Think of this as a project brief that you get to write yourself. You’re making yourself a road map that will guide you as you execute your project.

Your proposal must define:

• The form of your project. What is it?
• How you will make it. What materials will you use? What processes will you use?
• Key concepts that are driving your project. What are some keywords that you’d use to describe it to someone else?
• Your audience. Who is this project for?
• A calendar/schedule for how you will proceed. Set yourself some deadlines. What are the steps you must take?
• Finally, do you need any help from me or your classmates? Please define the external assistance you may or may not need. People power? Skill share? Information about resources? 

Please bring a hard copy of your project proposals to class to turn into me. As usual, they must be double-spaced. The format is up to you. Look at project briefs you’ve received in other classes. How do they organize the information? You can organize it according to the bulleted list above, if you want!

Remember: Project #1 is due on Tuesday, February 7. That gives you two weeks to execute your plan. Plot your time wisely! Stay on top of your schedule!

Email me with any questions. Good luck!