Research and Brainstorm

While writing this piece I realized how similar these two parts are. The difference is clear but I seem to bounce back and fourth between these two making for a somewhat blurred line between the two. I want to keep them separate so I will explain the differences and then move into the workflow.

How they differ:
Basically the difference between these two are the actions I am taking. With research I am taking in valuable information. With brainstorming I am outputting information in my own words. The trick is to mash your research up so much that nobody knows where it came from when you brainstorm it out! It's hard to do well so if you ever question weather something is too close to your research, don't use it.



Now let me explain the workflow:
If it weren't for Google, I don't know how fun this part would be. I'm glad to say that Google makes this part much easier then it would be without. And because of this tool, this part of the process has quickly become one of my favorites. I enjoy learning everything I can about the job at hand and also my clients.

Research is where I can google and read the day away. If I'm lucky I even get to take field trips to see things in person. Though this sounds fun it easily becomes a distraction. It is important not to get too far into the rabbit hole called "research" but it is just as important to make sure you are giving it a good run.

In this segment of the process I spend most of it reading up on the subject at hand, writing notes and... :) sketching! I smile because sketching is the main reason this is my favorite step of the process. It is what makes my work... My work.

There are endless possibilities here. So it's important to get all your ideas out on paper to organize your thoughts. We will sort through them in the next part of the process but until you make that transition get every idea you have out.

Many designers skip this step and go straight to the computer. They believe they can brainstorm in the programs, it's possible. But keep in mind, the less difficult it is to create, the more brain power you can put to your idea maker. I have been using a pencil and paper since I was 3, so this is the best and easiest way I create. It's amazing what you can come up with just by keeping your sketches loose and fast. After I get about 20 sketches out of the way it's time to make some decisions.

- REFINE -