|
|
design process description |
Step 1 Introduction |
Your first step with MINTdesign is free. You will be listened to in order to understand what you need. A general idea of your goal is clarified, with some suggestions as to how it can reached. Several kinds of presentations are available that will describe ways to create solutions to the specific needs at hand. For larger jobs, a Power Point presentation can be shown to illustrate examples and design principles that have worked in other applications. Either a quotation or a paid written evaluation will be recommended, which includes a criteria definition, and a comprehensive description of the entire process to completion. |
Step 2 Orientation & Programming |
Understanding the purpose of what is to be designed is a critical initial step. Programming involves a detailed look at former or competitive communcation, discussions about the background and purpose of the design, walkthroughs of physical locations, market or perception surveys, interviews with key people, and the refinement of a criteria definition. A criteria definition is the road map that keeps everyone on track during the whole process to completion. Once the purpose is entierly understood and concensus developed as to its approach, a statisfactory solution follows. |
Step 3 Conceptualization |
From the information and understanding gathered in Step Two, concepts are first described, then delineated. The concept phase suggests several different creative solutions, showing several focused visual ideas that could embody a final solution. More people have the opportunity to review and modify the options at hand with the result of one being selected and approved as the general direction to refine for the final design. The balance of projectcost and scope can be a significant factor of concept generation. |
Step 4 Design |
Having selected the winning concept choice, the design is now ready to be worked out. Several more options may be suggested within the parameters of the approved concept. Step Four then takes the concept to a more specific plane of design, where all physical, perceptual, dimensional, aesthetic and regulatory aspects are considered and resolved to create and delineate the final design. At this point, preliminary estimation can give a clear idea of actual costs, prior to formal quotation. |
Step 5 Documentation |
When the final design is completed and approved, documentation is prepared for fabrication or production. Documentation becomes the final speficification used to quote and produce the project. Many components of the overall project are scrutinized as details that will enable efficient and quality production. Spelling, critical dimensions, exact material selections, typographic particulars, and image attributes are noted and prepared for transfer to the contractor (s) who will produce what has been created. |
Step 6 Implementation |
Management during implementation is a crucial part of bringing what was envisioned to a physical reality that properly embodies its design. Suppliers are screened, production processes and capabilities are evaluated, visual and on-site proofing prevent mistakes and discrepancies from affecting the final product, quality control is maintained, and installation or delivery is supervised. |
Step 7 Evaluation |
In some circumstances, a budget can be allowed, from the start, for evaluation and refinement after a project has been completed. Sometimes the relative success of a project results from a thorough persistance that takes into account visitor or customer response to what has been designed. Post installation evaluation is particularly valuable in exhibit work, where testing a mockup couldn't have predicted certain effects exclusive to completion and installation. (C) Copyright, Mint Design, Inc., 2000 |
