Process, process, process…

In visual communications we talk about process on the frequent. Process is really the back bone of a concept, spending adequate time in the beginning phases of the creative process will guarantee a strong concept and happy end users.

In class we talked about a process formula Inspiration>Idea>Concept>Trial>Refine>Product. This is a usable formula but I think that it is missing an imperative step - RESEARCH - This would fit in somewhere in between inspiration and idea.

The creative process that I use is as followed:

First you define the “problem” - If there is a client involved this usually involves a meeting where you get to know the person you are doing the work for and define end goals and all that good stuff. The next phase is research - In this phase I will hunt, observe, and record. This phase usually defines my end user, concept, and target audience, I will get to know them and adapt my design to most effectively reach them. The third - and my favorite phase is implementing. This includes executing your concepts, often times a project can stop at this phase but for bigger projects a prototype is in order here. Next is to deliver then observe how it works. If it is working according to plan the process stops - If not - the cycle continues.

Uploaded visual for my process - My Process 

I also like to make sure I am meeting a certain level of meaning in my work, I always want to be conscious of social, environmental, economic, demographic, etc.. factors while developing my concept. I sometimes will use a matrix to gauge the level of meaning in my work.

Uploaded visual for meaning matrix - Meaning Matrix