My Design Process - Study Task 01: (The Design Process?) Mind Map and Paper Folding

Design Process - Mind Map

Today we began looking at the Design Process and how everybody works individually. First off we created a mind map of all the things we do and consider whilst in the Design Process.

Then we used them to make a flow sheet showing a rough order. I found it quite hard to put everything in a set order because I find research is an ongoing thing as well as experimenting and getting feedback. It is important to constantly experiment and push the idea as well as constantly asking for feedback during crits because other people have different thoughts that can be really beneficial when it comes to developing an idea.

Paper Folding

First Idea:

We then moved on to experimenting with folding paper to try and show this. One idea that I began to develop was a booklet but both left and right pages folded out to reveal another layer. Creating this out of an A3 sheet allowed for 10 pages, meaning it folds out twice.

Once open you can see the first two pages.

Number 1 then folds out to reveal page number 4. Page number 3 is on the back of page 1.

The same again on the other side but with 5 and 6.

The 4 is then folded out and on the flip side its 7, with 8 underneath. 

Again, repeated on the other side showing pages 9 and 10.

The idea I had behind this fold out was to try and show how many layers of planning and how many different stages are in the design process. Im not quite sure how I would fit the information into the booklet but each page could be a designated main category. For example:

1.  Understanding the problem and requirments.
2. Mind map
3. Consider target audience...etc
4. Research
5. Experiment
6. Get Feedback
7. Choose one to pursue
8. Document everything. Good and Bad
9. Decide on Final Plans
10. Present, Reflect and Evaluate.

Second Idea:

My second idea to come from the first is to have a leaflet with a simple almost timeline bar, connecting 'read brief' and 'final design'. Both sides of the paper are pulled out to reveal a complicated amount of steps to the design process. The theory behind this is that at first a design process seems relatively straight forward but once you get into it there are so many more steps than originally thought.

 

This was a rough sketch of the idea. I don't like the idea of having it like a time line through the middle with different options coming off of it. I much prefer the second sketch with different answers to questions. I feel like the second one would be easier to relink back to options. For example: begin to research ideas > experiment > is it practical? NO > back to researching ideas or if YES > get feedback. The layout of the second idea is easier to work with and understand compared to the chunky block layout of the first sketch. After all the design process isn't clear sections, research and experimentation overlap constantly.

I will try to perfect this diagram so that it covers the whole design process as well as looking aesthetically pleasing and being simple to use.

My Design Process: Brief

Studio Brief

During this week you will design and produce a folded leaflet entitled "My Design Process" that describes your understanding of the design process and specifically how you apply this process to your own work. This assignment will allow you to explore the nature of design at an increasingly commercial level while also exploring creative approaches to leaflet design and folding.

This brief is only one week long and therefore will be very intensive. You will be given support by your tutors in the form of crits and tutorials while studio tasks will focus on aspects related to constructing and designing leaflets. You will be expected to explore and experiment with paper and card stock: folding techniques and styles; and graphic concepts and communication. Your progress, developments and creative decisions should be documented in your studio blog.

At the end of the week you will present your final leaflet design and plan for print to the rest of the group. You will receive feedback and points to consider during this final crit.



Background / Considerations
You are graphic designers, everything you produce should be designed, considered and effective. You need to be in complete control, even if it's carefully arranged to look casual! Don't ignore your knowledge of layout but expand upon it!
Leaflets are ubiquitous! They are a favoured medium for many businesses and organisations for delivering information to customers and clients. Most commercial printers will offer at least some leaflet printing/folding services while others will offer more complex and sophisticated folding and printing packages. Therefore it is important to consider not only the potential of leaflet design but also the financial and practical limitations.
The design process: In developing your understanding of the design process at an increasingly professional level you will show that you have considered the financial, practical and time-based concerns in regards to leaflet design.



Mandatory Requirements
All research, development and decision making should be documented in your design practice blog.
Your work including research, experiments, developments, etc. will be presented and neatly labelled on design boards.
You must demonstrate that you have explored and considered a range of material, folding and printing formats in developing your leaflet.
Your leaflet design will describe and explain the design process and as such your design should reflect your understanding of 'process'.
Your work must be accompanied by an evaluation of at least 500 words.



Deliverables

1. A completed leaflet printed and folded

2. A body of research and preparatory work

3. Folded card stock experiments (with annotations)

4. Evidence of contextual research (the design process, communication, creativity, etc.) that informed your work.