So far Graphic Design
Thinking has been a helpful and entertaining read. It seems like Lupton
knew her audience very well, which would be younger designers like students,
and addresses many obstacles we face in our processes. For instance, this
chapter, mainly about a visual brain dump, is very helpful.
Pointing out and breaking down the process of a brain dump
is something that will make brainstorming and coming up with ideas so much
easier. Especially since I know myself as sort of scatter brained and frazzled sometimes.
Getting all your ideas out helps you to see several options instead of starting
right away and not thinking big enough. Also, Lupton mentions that it is
important to keep a sketch diary, a record of all those random thoughts and
ideas. Brainstorming is usually thought of as something so abstract that you
can’t really nail down what the process might actually be. That is why this
chapter was so helpful- to give designers like me a list to follow when in need
of inspiration.
I found this chapter to be quite helpful as well. The visual brain dump definitely seems a great way to get all ideas out & then filter through them to find the best fit. I also agree in that before reading Lupton's book, brainstorming seemed a concept that was used to find the right way to approach a project, but the notion of a visual brain dump makes it okay to pound out a bunch of ideas & find the one that will meet all goals of the project at hand.
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned that you are "sort of scatter brained and frazzled sometimes". I definitely am too (but not sometimes, all the time). Even when I'm focused, it is only barely focused. Even while writing this blog post, I'm overstimulated. I think you can use those characteristics to your advantage. Some people cannot gather all of those images and observations as quickly as you do. If you have two random ideas, write them down or draw them. If you are scatter brained, go with it and let it project onto your work. Or another neat strategy might be trying to make an oversimplified piece because of how you are. Just a few ideas.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed the idea about the visual brain dump. I think it's really cool to keep a visual diary and draw whatever comes to mind. It might even be cool to keep a dream diary. I used to write my dreams down on a list application on my iPhone, but the data got wiped, so I didn't continue doing it once I started over. Recently, I haven't been able to remember any of my dreams. Anyways, I think a visual diary is a good way to brainstorm and collect all of the ideas in your head.
I totally agree with you. I think that this chapter provides organized methods to brainstorm instead of just looking at random photos, videos or designs to find inspiration. Sometimes, a systematic form to find inspiration can be helpful.
ReplyDelete