Concept generation

Successful designers use a variety of techniques for generating concept design proposals that address the requirements laid out in the PDS. These techniques involve extensive user research aimed at understanding functional needs and social/cultural interactions. Designers need to study the cognitive processes involved in the usage of their designs, the emotional issues surrounding a design, and investigate the events/ceremonies related to its context.

The methodologies explored in this section are based on the premise that designers must clearly illustrate the processes undertaken on design projects and demonstrate that the ability to model concepts abstractly and physically is a key part of a designer’s professional armory.

During the development of a new product, a designer needs to identify the context, depth and breadth of his or her design approach. This simple process is intended as a starting point that can help a designer clarify his or her personal design objectives, through the use of a flexible, client-centered concept generation methodology.