Conceptual Design Begins
When it comes to product design, the conceptual phase is the foundation. As such, it’s important to know how it works so that you can develop the best designs possible. In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of conceptual design, as well as how it can be utilized to improve your processes and make your team more efficient.
Conceptual design is a process of ideation and visual ideation, transforming abstract thoughts into concrete representations using a combination of research, freehand sketches, and prototypes. The process usually starts with defining the problem or need for which the design is intended, followed by research and analysis. This data can then be used to generate and evaluate product ideas based on the market or customer needs. From here, the most promising concepts can be moved forward for detailed design and development.
Sketching is the main tool for conceptual design, and it can be done on paper or with a digital drawing program such as Procreate. The goal is to let the ideas flow, and it’s a good idea to keep the design process as lean as possible at this stage so that the final product can be developed in the most efficient manner possible. This is also a great time to review and collect inspirational images, as this can help the designer find new possibilities or push their ideas further than they may have thought possible.
How Conceptual Design Begins
Once the design has been refined, the presentation and communication phase begins. This involves creating presentations or mock-ups to communicate the design’s functionality and alignment with project goals to stakeholders and clients. The designer may also utilize visual aids or storytelling techniques to provide a clear and compelling argument for the final design.
This is also a great time to start collaborating with the design team, as this can help improve overall productivity and efficiency. Using a visual development platform like Webflow can also simplify this process, as it allows designers to create high-fidelity prototypes without writing a single line of code.
It’s important for the design team to take into account how the final product will be built and manufactured, as this can impact production costs and ultimately determine its price point. For example, if the design team has a lot of experience working with a certain material or manufacturing process, they can leverage this knowledge during the conceptual phase to reduce production costs.
At the same time, it’s also vital to consider the end user during this phase. For example, if the final product is being designed to appeal to a specific demographic, it’s crucial to ensure that any design decisions made during this phase are consistent with the target audience’s values and preferences. In order to do so, the design team must thoroughly understand their client, their brand, and their audience in order to shape a concept that will resonate with them. By doing so, the design team can create a final product that stands out from competitors and truly meets their needs.
