Govinda - Methods in Design

A method is a systematic way of completing a task. It’s a procedure. Methods can be applied to any given situation in where an orderly arrangement of ideas is needed. In design, some form of a method is required to complete the design process. For example, a graphic designer must research a company’s background before designing their logo, and can only create final artwork after consulting with the client. Methods in place enable a systematic approach to the design process allowing ideas to be developed, refined and further developed. But how much should a designer follow methods and how much should he work spontaneously.

Take James for example. He works for Ink Incorporated, a large graphic design firm based out of Melbourne. Ink Incorporated employs methods. They have a design manual highlighting the steps that must be taken in the process of designing. James must follow these steps and show the evidence to his supervisor. Although they can at times be helpful, especially when stuck for ideas, he finds the methods restricting and feels they often get in the way of his creativity. James would prefer to have methods there as a guideline if needed, but to have the flexibility to design in whatever method works best for that moment.

Learning methods in the design process is an important part of a designer’s education. They should be viewed with an open mind and followed as carefully as possible. As the designer gains experience in the industry, his own style of working will emerge which may contain ridged methods or a spontaneous and unique approach. It is important for the design to be able to work in a way that allows his designs to emerge and develop to ultimately produce the best work possible to satisfy himself and the client.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design_methods
http://www.ider.herts.ac.uk/school/courseware/design/
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=active&rls=com.microsoft:*:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7DAAU&defl=en&q=define:method&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title