Design Methodologies

Matt Cooke outlines his experience in creating design methods in order to better communicate with the public he is designing for. The whole article is great case study for well thought out and relevant user testing.

He points out a few key steps in the process:


{Definition}

outline the project so you know what it is you're trying to do

define the design problem and decide whether or not it is significant
can the problem be solved or reduced through visual communication?

define the cause of the problem
define your target audience


{Divergence}

gather qualitative, quantitative, and visual data

visually research the target audience so that you can design for them

decide on channels of distribution


{Transformation}

use all of the data to prototype graphics and layouts

introduce designs to target audience members to see if they are effective and appropriate


{Convergence}

produce and distribute the product

get user feedback on a much larger scale to decide if the designs were effective