Design courses provide industry with the creative talent it demands. Whether it be graphic design, web design or interior design there is demand for creative talent.

Design is both an applied art and a part of engineering. Because the area is so broad it allows many philosophies and interpretations of the subject, although the process that designers follow is similar regardless of the discipline:

Design Brief

The designer would receive a brief for a design project. The brief will outline the objectives of the work. It may outline the budget or other considerations to be aware of.

Design Analysis (or Response to Brief)

This is more an analysis of the brief. It will demonstrate a complete understanding of the design brief and the objectives.

Research

As you might imagine, the research stage involves looking into the brief in order to write a specification. The designer would look at similar projects and possible methods, materials and styles to find a suitable solution.

Specification

At this point the designer would create a specifation that outlines the special (sometimes technical) requirements for the project.

Problem Solving

At this stage the designer looks at the problems with the project and how each problem could be solved. Some industries would call this conceptualising.

Presentation (or Proposal)

Presenting the design ideas as possible solutions to the brief. This might include timings and costings and other considerations specific to the type of project.

Development

The designs are built or created as functioning entities. This may be done by the designer, or by a specialist team suited to the type of development required.

Testing

The solution is tested. Usually testing follows a testing specification.

Implementation

This concerns placing the designed solution in its intended environment.

Evaluation (or Debrief)

This stage provides constructive feedback about the project, outlines learnings and possible improvements for the future.