OUGD504 / STUDIO BRIEF 01 / RESEARCH - THE PROCESS

Before writing my content, I wanted to research into the different design processes that exist already. I decided to look into some diagrams online that illustrate these processes clearly. A generic search lead me to diagrams such as:

This is obviously not a process for graphic design, I assume it is for something scientific. I found it interesting to note that even though graphics and chemistry are entirely unrelated, the process for creating something is not that different. Examine could refer back to analysing the brief you are given, the next stage could be gaining understanding from research, furthermore, ideate & experiment could refer to development stages, and distill could be the final product.

I then went to search for more specific processes related to graphic design.

This image really shows the complexity of the design process. This flowchart has so many frenzied stems, going off into different directions. I don't think this is a very clear chart to follow, and isn't really useful to my process.

The next image I found was clearer & linear. It is numbered from 01-04 straightforward steps which convey the separate sections. Each one is a different colour, further distinguishing them as each design step is varied. I like how this diagram is numbered however I don't feel like the images are needed and only looks cheesy.

Above is probably my favourite diagram that I located online. Initially, the dark background and bold white lines grab my attention; leading onto the cleverly illustrated one line icons e.g the lightbulb. These images add context to this flowchart, whilst exuding fun and another element to look at. The vibrant colours also add to this. This diagram has also been split up into 4 sections for the design process which is extremely concise. The body copy for the image is not particularly legible unless you zoom in which could be a problem however I assume this is just because of the size of it. A clear font has been used for the titles, although again they aren’t too easy to read. 

Researching into a variety of design process diagrams has gave me an insight to establishing the main sections of my own design process and giving me a few ideas for my own leaflet. It was interesting to see the similarities in the processes even when the context was not graphics.