Emily Ryan - Reading 1

Chapter One

Chapter one is all about the design process. It starts off by stating that first as designers we must define the problem or problems we are looking to solve with our design. The first step is brainstorming. This step is for initial ideas and thoughts about a project. Brainstorming in a group is even more beneficial. It is an opportunity to get all of the ideas out onto the table, no matter how obvious or even how far fetched. Once you get everything out, you can start to assess what is there to create an even better idea. 

Another method was called mind mapping, which personally I have never done.  It looks really interesting though and I think I might give it a try. It starts by having one element in the center, and branching off from there. It is also called radiant thinking for that reason. It helps categorize and subdivide your thoughts.

The next step is interviewing, another thing which I have never done for a project. It gave examples of good interview skills, like letting the interviewee do all the talking, record the session, and find the right people for the interview itself. Then this chapter talked about being in a focus group. This requires a sampling of people in order to gain some insight to your project. It is important to let the participants speak their mind and not to ask leading questions to get the answer you want to hear as a designer. This idea really made sense after I read about the ‘Baltimarket’ example. 

Next comes the visual research. This is the idea that you should know what is out on the market in order to make appropriate decisions. Next was about creating a brand matrix and a brand book. Honestly I didn’t really understand this portion but I think once I get further along it will. Basically it was about picking your subject or intended audience, and seeing what makes sense to them in order to convey that in your design. Then it mentioned how sometimes it is important to do on site research. This is vital in order to make sure all the elements of your design also coincide with the environment. Lastly it discussed the creative brief, a meeting between designer and client to inform the client all about the design, and to figure out the project’s goals or key messages.

The reading on "Massaging the Message", however, I found a bit confusing. I honestly did not really understand what it was that was being said. I have never been good at reading that type of material. Hopefully it will be better explained in class!