Is There a Problem?

Sketches for an animation about cell signaling pathways.

Collecting information about the new project is the first step in a successful design process. Inquire about the project before the first interview.

Sort through photographs, text, sketches, print materials, as well as existing corporate identity, and web designs. The goal is to find the client’s design problem. And the client might not be aware of the fact that they have a design problem, and that having one is a good thing.

For example, a non-profit client who would like to provide resources for homeless people might hire a design studio to create a new website. At the start of the project, the design team collects information about the client, analyzes the way the client communicates with their target group and finds out about the type of information, which should be communicated.

While learning about the target group, the team finds that 80% of the city’s homeless population does not have regular online access. Due to this information, the team propose a flyer campaign instead of a website.

The design problem that needed to be solved in this fictive scenario was: “How do we effectively provide information for homeless people, who live without a permanent address or access to the Internet?”

More information: User Research / Learning Spiral