Recognizing Concept
Perhaps the trickiest part of design to explain is concepting. Basically, everything you design is supposed to be symbolic, or mean something special to you, at least. In the beginning lots of designers usually just try to come up with cool looking stuff and then B.S. a concept. That is the hard way to go. If you can come up with a strong concept before designing then the designing part will be easier.
Okay, so how do you come to a great concept? Well there are several methodologies, but here is the one I use:
First step: Brainstorming
Nothing really new here! pretty much you've probably been taught to brainstorm since grade school. However, I have posted a visual example of word list.
- Mind Maps
- Word Lists
- Free Write
Second step: Sketch
This is probably no shock to any artist out there. Sketching is a crutial step in the design process. However, there are lots of types of "sketching," or rather, lots of ways to reach the same conclusion
- Sketch with a pencil
- Sketch with a camera
- Sketch with a screen capture
Third Step: Get feedback
If you plan on designing anything you better plan on getting lots of opinions. Rarely will you ever design anything for yourself alone.
- Think about your ideas and organize them into categories, like: good, better, best.
- Find a designer who usually has good ideas and ask what they think
- Find a nondesigner and ask what they think
Fourth Step: Explore 12 ideas
Because your first idea is probably not the best one you will ever have you really ought to find a few ideas you like. Besides, when working with a client the more options you have to present, the more of a chance you have of pleasing them.
Fifth Step: Refine 3 ideas
This could be a very simple or a very complicated step, depending on how far you want to take it. Here are some suggestions for making this step work in different situations.
- For personal stuff, draw something simple that represents all of your current ideas on the subject, so that at least you can explain what everything is.
- For professional stuff, you really ought to flesh out a fairly complete idea. This is a lot more work but makes a lot more sense with a lot less explanation.
Sixth Step: Show your 3 ideas.
Simple enough. Once again, with two answers that would adapt to any situation.
- For more personal stuff, show another designer you respect and someone who knows nothing about design
- For professional stuff, show the client, and maybe get some opinions from members of your target audience.
Seventh Step: Refine Final Piece.
This is pretty simple, and yet one of the hardest, most stressful parts. My advise is simply this: make the piece a good one!