Methods at work. Conscious application of design methods for successful product development

Contents

1. Introduction

2. Design Methods
2.1. Description of the applied design methods
Phase 1: Exploratory Research
Phase 1: Interviews
Phase 1: Artefact analysis
Phase 1: Brainstorm Graphic Organizers
Phase 2: Secondary research
Phase 3: Design Workshop
2.2. Application and evaluation of design methods
Phase 1: Exploratory Research
Phase 1: Interview
Phase 1: Artefact analysis
Phase 1: Brainstorm Graphic Organizers
Phase 2: Secondary research
Phase 3: Design Workshop

3. Design process
3.1. Preparatory work
3.2. Project schedule
3.3. Process description
Phase 1: Planning, Scoping and Definition
Phase 2: Exploration, Synthesis and Design Implications
Phase 3: Concept Generation and early Prototype iteration

4. Appendix
4.1. Table of Figures
4.2. Bibliography

1. Introduction

Many design methods are unconsciously used in creative processes (Lindemann, 2003). However understanding design methods better, gives the opportunity to improve the design process by applying adequate methods more consciously (Andreasen, Hansen, & Cash, 2015). Even though unconscious design methods are processed much faster, they can lead to ineffectiveness (Lindemann, 2003). By making use of adequate methods, the process can lead to a more satisfying outcome. Furthermore the design process becomes more approachable to other disciplines working with a designer.

2. Design Methods

In this chapter the within the project used design methods will be presented and classified within the different design process phases according to Martin and Hanington (2012). There is also a description of how the chosen methods were applied and an evaluation of the methods usability.

2.1. Description of the applied design methods

Each design process phase has different methods which can be applied. Some of them can help to proceed with the design process at an early stage whereas others are more applicable at a later stage of design review. In this paper only the methods already applied will be taken into consideration, excluding stage 4 and 5 of the design process.

Phase 1: Planning, Scoping and Definition

Phase 2: Exploration, Synthesis and Design Implications

Phase 3: Concept Generation and early Prototype iteration

Phase 4: Evaluation and Refinement

Phase 5: Launch and Monitor

Ordered chronologically from novice phase to product review, the methods applied in this project will be presented by design phase. Phase four to five will not be discussed in this paper, as they are part of the next module.

Phase 1: Exploratory Research

Exploratory research is conducted at a very early stage of a project, used to create an empathic and immersive knowledge of the company (Martin & Hanington, 2012).

Phase 1: Interviews

Interviews are the main source for direct, first-hand information, capturing the interviewee’s opinions, attitudes and observations (Martin & Hanington, 2012).

Phase 1: Artefact analysis

The Artefact analysis is a vital part of phase two in the design process: Exploration, Synthesis and Design Implications.

The artefact analysis contains the analysis of materials, visual looks and interactive qualities of a product in regards to physical, social and cultural sensemaking. It is questioned what the product implies about people and their behaviour. (Martin & Hanington, 2012).

Phase 1: Brainstorm Graphic Organizers

The Brainstorming Graphic Organizers method takes brainstorming one level further. Ideas are clustered and organized to give the mind an easier understanding of the brainstormed designs (Martin & Hanington, 2012).

Phase 2: Secondary research

Secondary research is the collection of already existing data and their evaluation (Martin & Hanington, 2012).

Phase 3: Design Workshop

This method offers the possibility of participatory design in organized workshops, combining co-designing and reflection of further designers, not directly involved in the project (Martin & Hanington, 2012).

2.2. Application and evaluation of design methods

Phase 1: Exploratory Research

Visiting The case company was the first experience for the project team with the design task. It included a Touchstone Tour with a guided walk through the manufacturing facilities, archives, an artefact analysis and a follow-up interview. The exploratory research was needed to plan the project, set the project scope and get a general understanding of the company. This included not only facts, but experience with different senses by touching the product, seeing how it’s made and descriptions that were not only fact driven, but contained a lot of emotions.

This method is extensive and covers several areas that help in the beginning to get a good overview. It is very useful to form own opinions by experience which not only rely on facts, but also on emotional descriptions. The project team found the method very helpful as it delivers insights facts cannot show and gives a better understanding of the situation. From a design point of view it is interesting to be aware of the products, the shapes they use and how they are made. Moreover, observations can be made first-hand while visiting the manufacturing site and archives of the case company. Photos would not have captured the atmosphere that the visit offered. This method was used in the first phase of the design process instead of the second phase as recommended by Martin and Hanington (2012). However, the project group did not feel disadvantaged by applying the method as first step in their design process. It was an essential inquiry to apprehend their expectations and needs for the future of the company.

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