The Theoretical Basis That Allows The Design process To Work

THE DESIGN PROCESS

The full design process is a sequence of working that helps the designer organize and collate information, formulate design procedures and exercise control over the progress of a contract to the satisfaction of the client. It involves problem-solving and calls upon you to implement a design methodology.

All designers work through various problem-solving sequences and the following headings summarize three of these sequences - instinctive, methodological and professional - which converge to form one controlling method.

INSTINCTIVE Movement – inspiration – Idea – Action - resolution This is working at an emotional level, allowing one’s own feelings to dominate any thought processes that may germinate. It is governed by excitement and risk-taking endeavors, fuelled by a determination to succeed. This is where design concepts are born.

METHODOLOGICAL Research – Analysis – Synthesis – Evaluation – Solution This is a more disciplined procedure, concentrating on the efficient, problem-solving process that confirms the emotional procedures of the instinctive approach.

PROFESSIONAL Briefing – Programming – Research – market – Comparisons – Prototype – Technological feedback – Presentation of optional solutions – making/ site supervision – product completion. This sequence ties in with both the instinctive and the methodological approach in response to the professional demands of running a contract.

MOST INFLUENTIAL METHODOLOGIES TO DEFINE DESIGN

Definition of Design by Bruce Archer Design is that area of human experience, skill and knowledge that reflects man’s concern with the appreciation and adaptation of his surrounding in the light of his material and spiritual needs. In particular it relates with configuration, composition, meaning, value and purpose in man-made phenomena.

He highlights the fact that the designer’s work is about Adapting the environment. An important quality of a designer’s work is Meaning: A designer should be able to explain why he has done what he has done. We respond to human need by producing solutions that should mean something and that are expressive.

Bruce Archer explained that the problem-solving as part of the design process usually involves the following stages: 1- Analysis: the problem is identified, researched, dissected and analyzed; this means breaking down the problem into identifiable parts. 2- Synthesis: selected parts of the problem are pulled together to form a way forward. 3- Evaluation: All the factors are checked in order to arrive at a final solution.

Hans Gugelot: He is a German designer and lecturer in the early 1960s worked to the following stages: 1- Information stage – company, client, product comparison. 2- Research Stage - user requirements, context of use, possible production methods, function. 3- Design Stage - new formal possibilities, consider needs of the makers.

4- Decision Stage - response from sales, marketing and production management. 5- Calculation – design adjustment relies upon good communication and understanding. 6- Prototype made.النموذج

Morris Asimow: He is a designer from the field of systems engineering, used the following problem-solving techniques: 1- Identify the Problem – Develop a list of problems; select problems to tackle. 2- Analyze the Problem – Gather information, focus attention, find possible causes. 3- Solve the Problem - Develop solutions, provide alternative solutions, evaluate solutions, pick the best solution, develop follow-up plans, decide and implement solutions.

4- monitor the outcomes - communicate and record the data, compare the collected data against expectations, adjust the process. 5- Document the results