How to Identify the Best Design Problems

One of the most daunting challenges in the design process can often be identifying the problem you want to solve. I know that it always is for me. That's why I found this short article helpful in uncovering some strategies I may not have not of myself. Strategies that not only help find problems, but help identify which problems are worth your time.

Why Nobody Dislikes Lego

"Lego's latest design research: What Girls Want." Although this article was written a few years ago, the research that Lego did to understand their target audience better has been a game changer. Not only did they learn the specifics about the aesthetics girls look for and what girls enjoy doing while they play, but they also used different research strategies to get the information. It just goes to show that doing the research is definitely worth the time and sacrifice.

Info-graphics 101

You Decide!

Alright ladies and gentleman, this is directly relevant to our assignment that is due tomorrow.  The dos and don'ts pertaining to info-graphics according to some design journalist(Amy Balliett) that I found on the internet.  The article actually does a good job reminding us of some of the bigger items pertaining to info-graphics such that they ought to be easily digestible and that we should "show rather than tell".  Think of it as a bit of a brief refresher as you sit down to polish of your info-graphic tonight so that they look all fancy tomorrow in class.  Check out the link below:

Only good things can happen when you click this link.

9 Lessons from a Design Entrepreneur

I found an article that gives 9 lessons that are relevant from a design entrepreneur.  In short it outlines some key concepts that deal with designing in a space that is relevant to product design from a private entrepreneurial perspective.  Pretty quick read and might be a good jumping off point from which to continue some relevant research moving forward.  Check out the link below.

This is a link. You know you want to click me!

Ted Talk observe the norm.

In the past year I have become a little bit of a TED Talk addict, and  I have found many interesting presentations on design, architecture, and psychology. In fact I just came across one earlier today that sparked my interest, and I have included the link below. This TED talk challenges designers to see the world as it really is. That is to say designers need to have the ability to see the "invisible problems" that most people grow accustom to and never challenge.

https://www.ted.com/talks/tony_fadell_the_first_secret_of_design_is_noticing#t-4503

The Value of Design in Business Growth

For this post I just watched a video, it was very fulfilling though. The focus of it was to show how with design alone you can increase the size and profit of a business. This should go without saying, but it dives into more than just the typical new logo design. I also went to Design Council's website, the ones behind the design research that proves how it can improve business and found some interesting information about the specifics of what they do and who they have worked with.

-Robbie

Meh Article - Good Infographic

I think this infographic is quite successful. There is a good use of complementary and supplementary content. Since graphics can be changed to linguistic information more quickly than words, a proper equity must be found. The graphics and text balance each other nicely and utilize tactics such as size and proportionality effectively. 

Here's the link:

http://www.julienrio.com/marketing/english/5-reasons-use-infographics-improve-information-retention