The Design Process
Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of Design
The Ohio State University

Methodologies
& Processes
Solving Problems Systematically
Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of Design
The Ohio State University

Methodologies
Methodology
• A body of practices, procedures, and rules used by
those who work in a discipline or engage in an inquiry;
a set of working methods.
Design Methodology
• Breaking down the design activity into steps.
• A method to the madness.
Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of Design
The Ohio State University

Processes
Different types of design processes:
• Linear
• Cyclical
• Branching
The type of process used depends on the complexity of
the product, and the organization of the design firm or
office.
Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of Design
The Ohio State University

Linear Processes
1 2 3 4 5
Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of Design
The Ohio State University

Cyclical Processes
1 2 3 4 5
Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of Design
The Ohio State University

Branching Processes
2
1 2 3 4
2 3 4
3 4 5
Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of Design
The Ohio State University

Design Process
Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of Design
The Ohio State University

Overview
1. Problem Definition & Constraints
2. Research
3. Design Cycle
4. Production
5. Evaluation & Review
Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of Design
The Ohio State University

1. Problem Definition
& Constraints
• What does the client want? What are the client’s needs
or goals for the design?
• What is the scope of the project?
• What is the proposed budget, timeline and other
constraints?
• Who are the intended users or target audience?
Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of Design
The Ohio State University

2. Research
• User Studies
• Client Studies
• Precedent Studies
• Market Analysis
• Benchmarking
• Code and Legal Searching
Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of Design
The Ohio State University

3. Design Cycle
a. Concept Development
b. Design Refinement
c. Feedback
a b c d
d. Finalization
Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of Design
The Ohio State University

3a. Concept
Development
• Informed by Research phase.
• Sketching, visual brainstorming.
• Appearance, visual language.
• What are the possibilities for the design? How can client
and users needs best be addressed?
• Ideation and Exploration
Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of Design
The Ohio State University

3a. Concept
Development
Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of Design
The Ohio State University

3b. Concept
Refinement
• Turn rough ideas into presentable concepts.
• Refinement, aesthetics, meaning.
• Detailing, proportions, functionality.
• Anthropometrics, ergonomics.
• Manufacturing processes, materials.
• Mock-ups, Models, Rendered Drawings.
Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of Design
The Ohio State University

3b. Concept
Refinement
Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of Design
The Ohio State University

3c. Feedback
• Client Presentations
• User Testing
• Usability Analyses
Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of Design
The Ohio State University

3d. Finalization
• Creation of specific documentations of the design.
• Hard numbers and concrete decisions are made.
• VC: Final Comps
• IS: Contract Documents
• ID: Mechanical Drawings
Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of Design
The Ohio State University

4. Production
• Often this includes working with manufacturers,
contractors, printers, and/or programmers to oversee the
proper implementation and execution of the intended
design.
Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of Design
The Ohio State University

5. Evaluation
• Evaluate the success of the design.
• Did it meet goals and expectations?
• Did it solve the identified problem or opportunity?
• Did it create new problems?
• You’re only as good as your last job.
Design 200: Introduction to Design Department of Design
The Ohio State University