Design: How should it be done for productivity?

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Design is one of the three fundamental dimensions of human intelligence. Most people think design is a tool i.e. involving only the use of Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and other software. It is actually the process which takes ideas through a number of CRITICAL THINKING to creation of prototypes and then to reach an innovative product that targets solving consumers’ problems and addressing their needs. You see!? Design is not about knowing how to use the tools but about going through a process.

In my first post about Creativity, I mentioned that being creative gives you the opportunity to try out new ideas, new ways of thinking and getting a problem solved. With this definition, let’s just say Design is the process of using our creativity.

So! We have seen what design is all about. Let’s look at this, how do we design? A lot of graphic designers make a mistake of diving into a job on getting it. And most times if not all, this rush in causes a quick rush out. What do I mean by a rush out, I mean, most people go blank as to what to do at some point. Mind you, since Creativity is not only for graphic designers, design isn’t too.

The process of design should always start with the question WHAT DO I WANT TO DO? You have to define what you want to do, what problem you want to solve, what does the customer want. If you are able to answer that perfectly, then you are on the path of designing.

The second question you have to ask yourself is WHY AM I DOING THIS DESIGN? What is that thing that you want to achieve with people when they see the design? What is that thing you want to communicate. If you cannot answer this question, then chances are that the design will not pass any message.

The third question is HOW DO I DO IT? In answering this question, I as a person, I meditate and search within. Don’t forget to search the internet too for ideas…look through other people’s works because someone must have done something related. And really, that’s the only way we can get a lot of inspiration as to the how. And mind you, there are 1001 ways with which you can do a particular design. So as the inspiration comes, pen them down and choose the best one you want.

The last question is WHERE IS THE IMPACT FELT? Where will the design be used? You know, you can’t afford to design a job which is meant for printing on Photoshop. Answering that question will help you to start out. This will also determine the dimensions to use.

Let’s look at this example, Mr Gbolahan gave you a design job for his furniture making business. He wants something that will bring people to come and buy what he is selling. You have to ask yourself these 4 questions, if you have to ask Mr Gbolahan, please do, so that you can get the right answers to work with. Let us answer them together, What do you want to do? An advert design. Why do you want to do it? Mr Gbolahan needs more customers. How do you do it? Get your answers. Where is the impact felt? Instagram or is it for printing? Get the answer too. Then you are set to use your tools.

In conclusion, these steps of the design process which I have mentioned above makes for productivity for you as a creative. Give just one sentence to questions one and two, so as not to complicate things for yourself. Don’t rush out into designing, take your time because it is worth it.

Please drop your comments, I will love to hear from you. Also, please subscribe to this blog, so that you can get notifications for subsequent postings. Don’t forget to send in your topic requests to me on olamipoada2@gmail.com thank you.

See ya!


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