How Do Designers Significantly Revise An Initial Concept?
When the drawing board beckons a second time, design professionals often find themselves revising their initial visions to meet new challenges and insights. An Industrial Designer begins our exploration by discussing the integration of marketing research into their process, while our final additional answer highlights the role of data analytics in user-centric design revisions.
- Incorporate Marketing Research and Foresight
- Revise Logo with Owner's Preferences
- Simplify App Based on User Feedback
- Incorporate Current Design Trends
- Refine Design Through Stakeholder Feedback
- Prioritize Function Over Aesthetics
- Leverage New Technologies for Innovative Design
- Use Data Analytics for User-Centric Revisions
Incorporate Marketing Research and Foresight
A project I was involved in had few benchmarks provided by the Marketing department. In the course of development time, the benchmarks were changed by Marketing due to a shift in the buying trend of consumers. This led to a lot of rework and delayed project timelines.
The lesson to learn is that designers should do their own marketing research too and add foresight to their research; so that they can make the project a little bit time-proof and resistant to disruptions during the development phase.
Revise Logo with Owner's Preferences
I was tasked with redesigning and modernizing the company logo. The logo had been around for nearly 30 years but was now hard to use across various media because of overlapping elements.
I produced various concepts based on the initial direction and refined some of them, but then pivoted to brand-new designs based on the company owner's preferences. They realized they really wanted to keep some essence and familiarity of the original logo and retain the history of the company through the design. Going back to the drawing board, I was able to do that and incorporate a '3' as a nod to the third generation of ownership.
Simplify App Based on User Feedback
In one notable project, my team was developing a mobile app intended to simplify project management for small businesses. Initially, we conceptualized a feature-rich application, including various complex functionalities like automated scheduling, resource allocation, and in-depth analytics. However, as we moved into the prototype phase and gathered feedback from initial users, it became clear that the complexity of the app was overwhelming for our target audience, who primarily valued simplicity and ease of use over comprehensive features.
Prompted by this feedback, we significantly revised our initial concept. We scaled back on the number of features and focused on streamlining the user interface to make it more intuitive. We prioritized core functionalities, such as task management and time tracking, which directly addressed the primary needs of our users.
This pivot was crucial as it not only aligned the product more closely with our users' needs but also reduced development time and costs. The revised app received positive feedback for its user-friendliness and effectiveness in managing daily tasks, which validated the changes. This experience underscored the importance of flexibility in the design process and the value of user feedback in shaping a product that truly meets market demands.
Incorporate Current Design Trends
Designers keen on staying relevant and timely often draw inspiration from emerging trends within the industry, incorporating these into their initial concepts to ensure the final design feels fresh and up-to-date. By integrating elements such as new color schemes, materials, or patterns that have recently gained popularity, they breathe new life into their concepts. This approach ensures that the final product aligns with what is currently appealing to the market.
Staying ahead of the curve can give a competitive edge to the product, making it more attractive to potential consumers. Begin looking at the latest design trends today and see how they can transform your initial concept into something spectacular.
Refine Design Through Stakeholder Feedback
An essential part of the design process is gathering and acting on feedback, enabling designers to refine their initial concepts significantly. By establishing a clear feedback loop with stakeholders, including clients and target users, designers can identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments. This ongoing process of critique and iteration helps in honing the design to better meet the needs and expectations of the end user.
The willingness to adapt and change according to constructive criticism is crucial for the evolution of a design project. Seek out feedback on your design and use it as a stepping stone for your next iteration.
Prioritize Function Over Aesthetics
When revising an initial concept, it can be beneficial to reevaluate the core objectives of the design. Sometimes, shifting the focus to prioritize practicality and function can lead to a significant transformation. By ensuring that the design works well and serves its intended purpose, aesthetics can then be fine-tuned to complement the functionality.
This might mean simplifying elements that are visually striking but ultimately detract from the user experience. Look at your initial design and assess whether form follows function, or if a shift in focus is needed to enhance the usefulness of your design.
Leverage New Technologies for Innovative Design
Adopting new technologies can offer designers novel ways to reimagine their initial concepts. With advancements in software and tools, designers can push the boundaries of what is possible, exploring innovative forms and structures that weren't achievable before. This can lead to designs that not only stand out aesthetically but also exploit the latest technological capabilities for improved performance.
By keeping abreast of new technological developments, a designer can ensure that their revised concepts are not only modern but also state-of-the-art. Stay updated with the latest design technologies and consider how they can elevate your initial concept to the next level.
Use Data Analytics for User-Centric Revisions
Utilizing data analytics is a powerful method for designers to tailor their concepts more closely to user needs and preferences. By analyzing data collected from user interactions, surveys, and market research, designers can gain insights into what elements of their design are most effective and which ones need adjustment. This evidence-based approach allows for more precise revisions, ensuring that the design resonates with the intended audience and is adapted to their habits and requirements.
Examine the data available to you to make informed decisions and revise your design in a way that truly connects with your users. Engage with data analytics to refine your concept into a user-centric masterpiece.