Design Process Notes
Subject Overview
Design Process teaches the structured methodology behind any design work — from research and hypothesis formulation through to a final, presented product. You'll cover research design and data collection methods (exploratory, descriptive, diagnostic), then develop a theme board, colour palette and initial concepts for a chosen theme, and close with material exploration, illustrated final concepts and a final product with a class presentation. This is a 2-credit core practical paper across 3 units.
Subject at a glance
3
Units
10
Topics
2
Credits
3
Infographics
Unit-wise Syllabus
3 units — open any unit for detailed topic-wise notes, diagrams and important exam questions
- Meaning and significance of research in business decision-making
- identification and formulation of a research problem
- research designs (exploratory, descriptive, diagnostic, experimental)
- sampling and data collection tools
- 1
Research
Problem, users, market
- 2
Inspiration and theme board
- 3
Colour palette
- 4
Initial concepts
Sketches
- 5
Material exploration
Swatches, surfaces
- 6
Final concept and product
- 7
Presentation
Study guide
This unit covers research in business decisions, problem formulation, research designs (exploratory, descriptive, diagnostic, experimental), sampling and data collection tools. Apply a simple survey to a design question.
- Developing a theme board or source of inspiration
- colour palette development
- initial concepts
- 1Pick a theme
e.g. monsoon, architecture
- 2Collect images and objects
- 3Group by mood and colour
- 4Arrange on a board
- 5Add title and keywords
Study guide
You develop a theme board or source of inspiration, a colour palette and initial concepts. Build a strong inspiration board before sketching.
- Material explorations and surface designs
- illustrated final concept with details
- final product followed by a class presentation
- 1Explore materials and techniques
- 2Select the strongest samples
- 3Develop the illustrated concept
- 4Make the final product
- 5Present with process story
Study guide
You explore materials and surface designs, produce an illustrated final concept and a final product, and present it to the class. Presentation skills matter as much as the design.
Why Design Process Matters
A structured design process, from research to concept to product, is how professional collections are created and how designers justify their choices to clients and buyers.
How to Prepare for Design Process
- Document every step from inspiration to final product.
- Gather feedback on early concepts and refine them.
- Practise presenting your concept clearly and confidently.
Design Process: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a theme board?
A theme board, or mood board, is a collage of images, colours and textures that expresses the inspiration for a design collection.