IMD09117 and IMD09118 Web Design and Development Unit 2

Introduction to Design

What is design? Is it distinct from art?

Version A Unit 2 ©2008 Napier University

Art has to move you and design does not, unless it's a

good design for a bus.

David Hockney

Version A Unit 2 ©2008 Napier University

What is design?

To design is “to draw; to form a plan of; to contrive; to intend; to set apart or destine”

Usually involves conceiving a mental plan

It covers creating a new object, making organisational change or both for a specific use

Version A Unit 2 ©2008 Napier University

Aspects of design

Version A Unit 2 ©2008 Napier University

Designing a bridge?

Aspects of design

Left brain

Systematic and analytical

Predetermined

Based on mathematics

Precise

Version A Unit 2 ©2008 Napier University

Designing a bridge?

Aspects of design

Version A Unit 2 ©2008 Napier University

Designing a T-shirt?

Aspects of design

Right brain

Creative

Inspirational

Intuitive

Non methodical or spontaneous

Version A Unit 2 ©2008 Napier University

Designing a T-shirt?

Aspects of design

Understand fundamental principles of design

Well-developed aesthetic appreciation - visual literacy

An understanding of the users

Technology skillsVersion A Unit 2 ©2008 Napier University

What do designers need?

Aspects of design

Analytical skills - breaking down the problem into components

Synthetic skills - combining separate elements of thought into a whole.

Top down v bottom upVersion A Unit 2 ©2008 Napier University

Design skills?

Aspects of design

Define the design and communication objectives

Define the target audience

Research the subject

Brainstorm ideas

Develop design strategy

Evaluate as you go along

Creative risk taking

Version A Unit 2 ©2008 Napier University

Design process

Role of the designer

Client v customer dialogue

Question assumptions

Client not always right

Version A CO32032 Unit 2 ©2008 Napier University

Who and what are you designing for?

have symbolic characteristics

have aesthetic characteristics

aimed at different aspirations

people buy for ‘what it says’ not ‘what it does’ Version A CO32032 Unit 2 ©2008 Napier University

Products

What is good design?

Meets financial information

time constraints

production information

functional requirements

market research

must also meet aesthetic goals as well such as elegance and personalityVersion A Unit 2 ©2008 Napier University

Summary

Version A Unit 2 ©2008 Napier University

What is design?

Aspects of design

Role of a designer

Market research

What is good design