Iris29 Feature

Each designer has his or her own way of approaching a new project, both in the journey toward a final goal, as well as in the finished product itself. A specific formula does not exist for designers to follow in the completion of a project, and as a result, there are numerous ways of approaching one problem.

Contemplating this particular insight, we were inspired to explore and showcase this subject matter. We created a project for our group of student designers to allow us to look at the variety of process and to document the final deliverables.

The challenge we presented was for each student to create an original design to represent his/her visual identity as a designer. We asked that people approach this task in the manner they typically work, being as creative as they wish. We requested that process be included with the final deliverable—we have photographed an extreme case and present it on the next page. We also wanted to demonstrate the diversity of the end products generated for one design problem.

There is a process behind every design that exists; the process itself determines what the end solution will be. The following featured works demonstrate how differently we as designers think and work, with our processes emerging from all points on the creative spectrum.

The Final Solutions

Process Questionnaire

As a prequel to the project, we asked our designers to complete a survey of four questions regarding their individual design process. Here are some of their responses below.

What is the first thing you do when beginning a new design project?

• Procrastinate.
• Over-think what needs to be done! Eventually throw a few ideas together digitally and see where they take me. Hand drawn sketches usually help my initial visualization.
• Arrange a time to meet with the chain-smoking troll.

What is the ideal environment for you to have a productive session of creative process?

• I enjoy being outdoors amongst the birds and gophers.
• Quiet, but with jazz/instrumental music.
• 3 a.m. running on two days without sleep with the stereo on as loud as it can go.
• My “decompression chamber” (the tub) with tunes playing and my eyes closed.

Where do you find inspiration?

• People, music, ads, life, seasons, dreams, places etc.
• Through research (books & Internet).
• In experience, conversation, colour, the book store… it’s the little things!

When are you most creative?

• Mid-afternoon, when I’ve had ample time to wake up and I’m feeling fairly energetic.
• When I can fully concentrate on my life and my inner self so deeply that I can’t hear or see anything or anyone around me.
• After midnight, during a full moon, at 4:20 a.m.
• If I have food to eat while working (nuts, chips and cookies).