1. 7 STEPS IN CREATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING The Process of Design

2. Step #1: Inspiration Inspiration is a Prime Motivator for Creativity. Inspiration is a Mental and Physical Drive to Create; to renew, to change and to improve. Inspiration allows the Designer to see the possibilities and to use those possibilities to create Realities. Inspire: to “breathe in.” Like Breath, Inspiration gives life to Ideas, fulfills the Self, is a source of Creative Energy, and a fuel to positive action.

3. Step #2: Identification Identification is Definition and Focus. Identification Defines the Design Problem and possible Solutions. Identification reveals Design ( Planning ) Limitations and Possibilities. Identification is Focused Knowledge. Knowledge is Power. Designers have a unique Power to Create, to Convince, to Solve, and to Make Better.

4. Step #3: Conceptualization Conceptualization takes an Idea and creates a Physical Form where the Idea can be sensed and appreciated: drawings, models, photo imaging and other forms of media allow the Idea to be seen, heard, smelled, touched and tasted. And tested. Conceptualization is Experimental. Somewhere is all the answers is the Right Answer. Concepts which survive this initial test against Identification can go on to Exploration / Refinement.

5. Step #4: Exploration and Refinement Concepts ( Ideas ) are now explored in depth and detail. Every aspect of the Idea is critically examined for Form and Function. Improvements of the Design are added. Impractical Elements of the Design are rejected. “The Devil is in the Details.” In this stage of the Design Process, it’s easy to get lost in detailed refinements. The Concept has to stay clearly defined. “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize.” The Designer decides which refined Idea goes onto the next Stage: Definition and Modeling.

6. Stage #5: Definition and Modeling Final Design-side Decisions are made. The Designer commits to an Idea. The Right Decision usually answers the most questions. Fundamentally, what are the Design Problems? Does this Idea answer those Problems? The chosen Idea / Concept is put into its best form for communication to the Client. Presentation and Presentation Skills are critical.

7. Stage #6: Communication Communication of the Idea’s progress is an on-going duty of the Designer. All Parties Concerned must know what is going on from beginning to end. This APC list grows as the Idea gets closer to Production: clients, producers, manufacturers, engineering, construction, marketers, retailers, -sometimes even customers. This stage is where the Best ( and Final ) Design Skills count: art, copy, typography, photo-imaging, modeling, media, and IT.

8. Stage #7: Production Production is in 2 Stages: Prototype and Final Prototypes are first runs. They are tested, corrected, and signed off as acceptable examples before the Final Production run. The success of the Prototype or Proof is the last appeal before the Final Production. Final Production. The Rule: Quality of Product must be maintained throughout the Final Production run. Your Idea is Born!

9. Thank You. Any Questions?