Month: February 2020

Week Seven Winter Term 2020:

When it comes to prototyping, collecting feedback and gather such data is of utmost importance. The more data points you have, meaning the more opinions you have about your prototype, the better off you are on creating a better product. When watching how users interact with your prototype, look at their facial expression, write down every thought they are saying, and ask questions. Chances are your first prototype will go through multiple iterations of changes, and you have to be open to those changes. Designs should be delightful and full of surprises. The user should want to use your product. The product should be there when the user needs it, but not be in the way when they do not need it. Moral of the story, be open to changes and think with a bigger picture.

Week Six Winter Term 2020:

When coming up with solutions, it is highly recommended to illustrate those ideas. Not only does it force you to use a different part of your brain, but it helps to visually see what your idea looks like. It’s also a lot easier to interpret a drawing than a text describing it. There is a definitive difference between inventing and innovating. Originality (inventing) is something you rarely see nowadays. I remember reading or hearing about the notion that there is no such thing as an original idea. Someone, somewhere at one point in time has thought of the idea that you are currently thinking of right now. I believe much of today’s creation is ripping off someone else’s ideas (innovating). Creativity can be drawn from numerous sources. I guess sleeping is a great way to draw out creativity. As long as you can remember and control your own dreams.

Week Five Winter Term 2020:

Design is an ever changing thing and as a designer you must adapt to those changes and go with the flow. Coming up with the most ridiculous and bizarre ideas may bring forth an idea you might not other think of. Constantly brainstorm and keep moving.

Week Four of Winter Term 2020:

When really thinking about it, design is omnipresent. It’s everywhere! From looking at a building to looking at the very keyboard I’m typing on, it all started with a design. The design most likely all started with a brief. Someone somewhere simply had an idea, pitched the idea and voila, it became a reality. Designers and creative thinkers put an emphasis on understanding the context of who or what you are designing for. To truly understand the context you have to research and more research. You have to imagine all kinds of consumer types to design for all possible needs. Luckily technology always has a way of making our lives easier; prototyping has never been easier! Ultimately, design with a purpose. Design with a reason and that reason better be good or else it will fail and burn before your eyes…. *sad face*