HOW I FILL IN THE LINES
(My design process in 6 steps)
(My design process in 6 steps)
RESEARCH
Whether I’m giving birth to an idea on my own or working on what someone assigns me the first thing I do is research the big idea of that project. Research allows me to gather insight into not only nuances to explore in design conceptualization, but also into the people and audience I’m designing for. After all what’s the point in design if you aren’t designing for the user? Whether it’s filling my browser history with a million questions about a subject or visiting stores to gather intel about industry standards, I am all about pulling out my Nancy Drew persona and investigating for a project.
Whether I’m giving birth to an idea on my own or working on what someone assigns me the first thing I do is research the big idea of that project. Research allows me to gather insight into not only nuances to explore in design conceptualization, but also into the people and audience I’m designing for. After all what’s the point in design if you aren’t designing for the user? Whether it’s filling my browser history with a million questions about a subject or visiting stores to gather intel about industry standards, I am all about pulling out my Nancy Drew persona and investigating for a project.
Next it’s time to put my research to the test and start designing. I’ll admit, sometimes I struggle starting. But I’ve learned sometimes you have to just put your pen to paper and start ideating. Get out every single thought even if I think it’s bad or first level, because that’s when the good ideas start to flow. Utilizing word banks and mind maps I spend hours sketching out potential options for brand elements like logos, names, and typography.
My absolute favorite aspect of the design process-- working with others! One thing about me I will involve people throughout the whole time I’m working. Asking fellow designers from diverse backgrounds who each bring a different perspective to the work is how in my opinion design goes from good to great. On facetime, in a communal design workspace, or over text, I’m not afraid to ask other people how I can improve my work.
Keeping in mind the general consensus from my fellow designers I then work to take those 10 options from earlier and turn them into 1. Anything I don’t feel confidently represents the insights I found during research, that doesn’t reflect the audience I’m targetting, or isn’t conceptually sound I get rid of. Only the best survives!
haileynoeldesign@gmail.com
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