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--- about:design-process [2025/04/29 10:24] – created Felix Hardmood Beck
+++ about:design-process [2025/04/29 12:57] (current) – Felix Hardmood Beck
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 ===== Archetypal Phases of the Design Process =====
-==== Definition of the Problem or Challenge ====
+==== 1. Definition of the Problem or Challenge ====
-In this phase, the requirements, goals, and constraints of the design are clearly defined. It is important to understand the problem to be solved while considering the needs and expectations of the target audience.
+In the initial phase, the focus lies on defining the requirements, objectives, and constraints that shape the design task. A precise understanding of the problem to be solved is essential to guide the project in a meaningful direction.
-==== Research and Analysis ====
+This involves identifying the needs, expectations, and behaviors of the target audience as well as recognizing external factors such as technical, social, economic, or environmental constraints. Techniques like stakeholder mapping, problem tree analysis, or framing design challenges can support this process.
-Relevant information is collected, analyzed, and studied in this phase. This can include market research, user research, competitive analysis, and other investigations to gain a well-informed understanding of the context and requirements.
+Establishing a well-defined problem space provides the foundation for all subsequent creative and strategic decisions within the design process. A clear definition ensures alignment among project participants and helps to maintain focus throughout iterative development cycles.
-==== Ideation (Idea Development) ====
+==== 2. Research and Analysis ====
-During this phase, various potential solutions are generated. Creativity techniques such as brainstorming, mind mapping, and different types of prototyping are used to produce and explore a wide range of ideas.
+Following the problem definition, the research and analysis phase involves gathering, synthesizing, and interpreting relevant information. This builds a rich contextual understanding of the design environment and the factors influencing it.
-==== Design Development ====
+Methods used may include user research (interviews, observations, surveys), market and trend analyses, competitive benchmarking, and ethnographic studies. Visual tools such as personas, customer journeys, or system maps help structure and communicate findings.
-The most promising ideas are further developed and translated into more concrete designs. This can include sketching, modeling, prototyping, and other techniques to refine and improve the design concepts.
+The research phase uncovers hidden needs, identifies opportunities for innovation, and helps designers anticipate potential obstacles. It establishes a knowledge base that informs and inspires the following ideation and development phases.
-==== Evaluation and Selection ====
+==== 3. Ideation (Idea Development) ====
-The proposed solutions are evaluated and analyzed to assess their effectiveness and suitability. This can be achieved through user testing, expert reviews, feedback sessions, or other evaluation methods.
+Ideation is the phase where creative exploration takes center stage. It aims to generate a wide range of potential solutions without premature evaluation or restriction, promoting divergent thinking.
-==== Implementation ====
+Creativity techniques such as brainstorming, 6-3-5 methods, mind mapping, or role-playing can be used to stimulate new perspectives and uncover unexpected connections. At this stage, quantity matters more than immediate feasibility.
-In this phase, the final design is put into practice. This may involve the production of physical prototypes, the development of software applications, or the implementation of other solutions.
+Early visualization through sketches, scenarios, or low-fidelity prototypes supports communication and discussion. Iterative rounds of ideation can occur throughout the project, especially when new insights or challenges emerge.
-==== Review and Iteration ====
+==== 4. Design Development ====
-After implementation, the design is monitored and evaluated to ensure it meets the intended goals and requirements. If necessary, adjustments are made, and iterations of the design are carried out to make improvements.
+During the design development phase, selected ideas are elaborated into concrete design concepts. Abstract ideas are translated into tangible forms, considering functionality, usability, aesthetics, and technical feasibility.
+Techniques such as sketching, 3D modeling, wireframing, storytelling, or physical prototyping help to explore and refine the concepts. Both scheme design (overall structure) and detailed design (specific features and elements) are addressed.
+Design development is iterative by nature: early concepts are evaluated, tested, and modified repeatedly to strengthen the solution's coherence, user relevance, and viability before moving into final production stages.
+==== 5. Evaluation and Selection ====
+Once different design options have been developed, they are systematically evaluated to identify the most promising solution(s). This evaluation focuses on how well the concepts meet the defined goals, user needs, and contextual requirements.
+Evaluation methods can include user testing, usability studies, expert feedback sessions, comparative analysis, or structured decision-making tools like criteria matrices. Emphasis is placed not only on technical performance but also on user experience, emotional impact, and long-term sustainability.
+Evaluation is seen as an opportunity for reflection and learning. Rather than providing definitive conclusions, it often leads to adjustments, refinements, or new directions within the iterative design cycle.
+==== 6. Implementation ====
+The implementation phase transforms refined design concepts into real-world applications. Depending on the project, this may involve manufacturing physical products, coding digital solutions, producing services, or preparing communication materials.
+Attention is given to material choices, production processes, technological integrations, and ensuring that the design intent is faithfully realized. Cross-disciplinary collaboration between designers, engineers, developers, and other specialists is essential at this stage.
+Implementation often includes creating final prototypes, pilot versions, or minimum viable products (MVPs) that can be tested and evaluated before full-scale deployment.
+==== 7. Review and Iteration ====
+After implementation, the design is reviewed through real-world testing and evaluation to assess whether it achieves its intended outcomes. Data collection, user feedback, performance monitoring, and qualitative observations are key activities during this phase.
+Identified gaps, shortcomings, or emerging opportunities inform further adjustments and iterations. Iteration may involve minor refinements or major rework, depending on the complexity of findings and project goals.
+Recognizing that design is an evolving process, this phase reinforces a mindset of continuous improvement and adaptability. Successful designs embrace iteration not as a sign of failure but as a core strategy for innovation and meaningful impact.
+----
+===== Progression of Prototyping Methods in the Design Process =====
+Ideation → Exploration → Testing → Refinement → Presentation
+  * **[[about:sketch-modeling|Sketch Model]]** → Early spatial and formal exploration
+  * **[[about:quick-and-dirty-prototyping|Quick & Dirty Prototype]]** → Fast testing of ideas and interactions
+  * **[[about:mock-up|Mock-up]]** → Visualization of layouts, interfaces, or product structure
+  * **[[about:funktions-prototyp|Work-like Prototype]]** → Testing of technical functions and processes
+  * **[[about:look-like-prototyp|Look-like Prototype]]** → Representation of form, materiality, and haptics
+  * **[[about:appearance-model|Appearance Model]]** → Highly detailed presentation of the final appearance