Motion Research

Currently browsing the Design Management category

Design management is sometimes it’s called the design process, it’s the attempt to get creativity to occur along the same time line as that allowed by a schedule. Unmanaged design will just go around in circles; it won’t move forward and get better. It’s important to recognize that creativity is unique in relation to most jobs. Design managers are usually, but not necessarily designers. The important thing is that they must have a through understanding of design and its unique attributes and processes.__________ Start by building a schedule that will allow the most design time. When this time is used properly it will result in the best end product. Don’t fall behind schedule. The stress and pressures it creates will significantly hurt the creative process and thus the final product. It’s important to not create an environment that puts pressure on people involved in the creative process. Stress is very contagious and will immediately affect everyone. If you do fall behind schedule, deal with regaining your proper place immediately and return order to the program. If the schedule can have a cushion at its end, like a weekend, it will often reduce stress even if it isn’t used.__________ The method will always be different, and it should be. It’s a process which must evolve in order to meet changing needs and lessons learned by previous mistakes. There is no one correct way but there are some basic things that almost always need to be considered. Always focus on taking steps that will improve the design.__________ Share the reasons for the steps you take and the decisions you make along the way with your client. Show him the storyboard and remind him of the importance of the design brief at every review, before showing him the model. The client should be comfortable and happy that he is getting the best design. There should be no surprises for him at the end.__________ It’s entirely possible to compete with much larger and more recognized design studios by using your resources more efficiently and creatively. An efficient design process makes for great design, a happy customer, high profit and a good reputation.__________