GDC, Week 13 : Design Thinking by Ms Yong Yee

You know, I realized how important it is that we - designers ask questions. It may even be stupid, but we need to know what we are talking about and what we are showing pictures about. What we create is very important. It cannot be just a picture or just a figure. Each thing, word, photograph must have a deep meaning and we must be sure of every word we say. Therefore, it is important deeply research the topic before creating a project.

The question is "Who are the people?"

First, somebody gives us a topic, then we begin to research it. And this means not just reading articles about it or watching a video. You have to plunge completely into the atmosphere and understand what drives people, what they do, what is happening around. This is where stupid questions will be required.

Look at the problem from different angles.

You can read a bunch of articles and books about your topic, but still do not understand the essence. And if it comes to people, you must learn to feel them and try to think like them. Look at the topic from different angles, both on your own and on the part of other people who live in it.

YOUR TARGET - THE PERSON YOU ARE DESIGNING FOR

You should always remember that this is not only a business that you like. A person always stands behind you - a client who should like it. You cannot rely solely on your opinion. If you think that it looks beautiful and it makes sense, but your client does not think so. It is worth considering this.

Step by step from DESIGN THINKING:

• Empathise. Learn - re-learn, framing (see, feel, explain)

Try to feel the person and be in his place. When you understand what he is thinking and why he is doing one way or another. Everything will immediately become clear.

• Define. Creative confidence. Brainstorming

Here you should not be embarrassed. Every crazy or interesting idea can be the best! The main thing is to understand the scheme of how it works and whether it fits the topic.

• Ideate.

Now, what has occurred to you, imagine this and try to indicate it as accurately as possible on a piece of paper and a computer. Do not limit yourself. Think about how it will look in life and how it can be impoved.

• Prototype. Get feedback from the Prototype

Students are always afraid to show their work to lecturers, because we are always afraid that we are wrong and that we are doing something wrong. But here, this is what you need! We must learn to adequately accept criticism and learn from our mistakes.

• Test. Show but no tell.

And at the last stage, without any fear, show your creation and try not to say anything. You will understand whether you managed to do your job or not. If a person understands without words what is painted or depicted in your work, what is the meaning lurking inside - it means you coped.