Have you ever had one of those projects? One that starts out simple and easy, but quickly turns into a nightmare of numerous client changes? Could this have been avoided? The typical excuse in situations like this is to blame difficult clients, but could we the designers actually be the ones at fault?
In woodworking, the mantra is ³Think Twice, Cut Once,² so that an unnecessary waste of materials can be avoided. Designers should adopt a similar motto and think about the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of any project. By answering these important questions first, we ensure that time and energy will not be wasted on needless rounds of changes.
It’s too easy for us to get caught up in the act of design without first putting together a strategy. Before the design stage occurs, we can sharpen our focus by answering key questions. Here are some examples that will help us create a solid plan:
1. Who am I designing for – myself, the client or the end user?
2. What do I actually need to design? What is the client really asking for?
3. Where will these designs be used or seen? Considering the final use for a design will help in achieving a successful solution.
4. When are my designs due? Creative people are often procrastinators. Think about the entire process needed to achieve a successful design and plan accordingly.
5. Why does this design need to exist? Designers should think about the ramifications of the different design routes a project could take.
6. How should I go about designing based on the previous answers I’ve gathered? A plan of action can be mapped out and the designing can commence.
These are just some of the various questions that a thoughtful designer can utilize. Creativity can never be reduced down to a formulaic process, yet it can flourish under a well planned strategy. You’ll quickly find that thinking through a project will yield happier clients, less stress and better designs.
I’m not sure that the mantra in woodworking is “Think Twice, Cut Once”, I was always told to “measure twice and cut once”. The more practical approach to getting it right. However I can see the need to think twice when you are talking about design.
Actually you have simply described requirements analysis and a little project management. You might like to look into UML (Unified modeling language) and the Unified Process.
These are industry best practice for software design and production but can be easily tailored to most design and construction jobs.