Initial ideas are generated through brainstorming and documented through sketches, models, and notes. At this early stage, all ideas are considered valid and useful. Key aspects of initial ideas include visualizing concepts in 2D sketches and 3D models to communicate creative thinking, and relating ideas back to research. A reflective evaluation of initial ideas prepares the designer for the next stage of the design process.

2. Design Process - Initial Ideas

3. Design Process –
design idea sketchbooks by students at Chichester College

4. Design Process –
design idea sketchbooks by students at Chichester College

5. The design process is used by all designers in order to
generate and develop solutions to solve problems or
‘challenges’
The design process is made up of 5 stages:
- Briefing
- Research
- Initial Ideas
- Design Development
- Final Outcome + Presentation of Design Solution

6. Brief
Final Design Solution

7. Initial Ideas

8. Brainstorming can be an excellent way to begin a project.
Next discuss ideas and make sketches, concept models,
notes and references.
At this stage it is important to be open-minded. Allow ideas to
be limitless and to let them ‘flow’.
Be sure to record and document every thought and idea on
paper, in sketchbook or design sheet.
Everything is valid at this stage.

9. Design Specification

10. It is important that before you can begin to design and produce
a ‘solution’ there is a clear understanding of the actual
problem.
Design is about problem solving, and the Design Specification
lists the problem in detail.
The Design Specification will help you understand the problem
before you start to develop your design.
The more we know about the problem the easier it will be to
produce a final design that ‘works’.

11. Design Specification should include information about the
following:
- Main function of the product
- Any dimension or weight restrictions
- An outline of the appearance and aesthetics of the design
- User requirements
- Details of any power sources
- Any specific manufacturing processes to be used
- Environmental considerations
- Product life span
- Any marketing, packaging or shipping considerations
- Competition
- Any company or branding constraints

12. Brainstorm

13. The creation of creative and innovative design ideas usually
begins with a brainstorm.
The brainstorm is an activity designed to generate a large
number of ideas for the solution of a problem.

15. There are 4 ground rules for effective brainstorming:
Quantity: the greater the number of ideas, the greater the
chance of producing an innovative and effective solution
No Criticism: put criticism of ideas at this stage ‘on hold’.
Reserve criticism for the ‘development’ stage of the process.
Feel free to generate unusual and creative ideas
Welcome Unusual Ideas: look from new perspectives and
suspend existing assumptions
Combine and Improve Ideas: good ideas can be combined to
form a single, better good idea. A process of connection and
association can stimulate the building of ideas

17. Visualising Ideas

18. Idea Visualisation - 2D
(“Concept Sketch”)

19. Theory, philosophy, sociology and culture are becoming
increasingly engaged with the act of design.
The use of conceptual sketches as a design tool not only
facilitates the design process of the designer but also enables
his/her initial creative impulses or intentions to be
communicated to others.
Concept sketches are used to explore your creativity and
communicate these ‘conceptual ideas’ to others.
Concept is what gives art and design work it’s strength and
meaning.

22. Concept sketches can be very experimental and ‘sketchy’ in
appearance, so long as they can still clearly communicate
your concept to others.
Concept sketches should simply visualise and communicate
your ‘concept’ or ‘creative thinking’.
You do not need to express working details or final design
form, etc. in concept sketches.
Concept sketches should be quick. Colour may be used to
support concept, but is not necessary at this point.

27. Idea Visualisation - 3D
(“Concept Model”)

28. 3D Concept Visualisation follows the same principles as concept
sketches but uses 3D visual language to communicate your
conceptual thoughts, ideas and creative thinking.

32. Sketchbooks or Design Sheets should attempt to bring
together both 2D and 3D visualisation of ideas together.

35. Initial Ideas should be documented and annotated with
appropriate notes and any relevant information that helps in
the communication of your conceptual thinking or ideas to
others.

40. Initial ideas should also relate back to research and additional
research may be used to communicate a greater connection
between experimentation and sources of inspiration.

50. The initial ideas stage, as with the other stages of the design
process, should also finish with a detailed and reflective
evaluation.
This evaluation should be used as an important design tool
that will prepare you for the next stage of the design process.