Under the hood of design: Designers detailing their processes

The creative process is shrouded in a certain degree of mystery for many. Managers have historically regarded designers as somewhat eccentric individuals who frequently produce unconventional outcomes. Even among designers, there was little consideration of the process by which the final design was reached. If an individual demonstrated proficiency or conceived of a visually compelling concept, their work served as a source of inspiration for others. The advent of the internet has meant that form development is no longer the sole responsibility of the designer. Additionally, a coder was required to develop the final product and create the desired visual effects or animations. This knowledge was subsequently jealously guarded.



The current situation is distinct from that which preceded it. On a weekly basis, designers publish numerous tutorials on the online platform Medium. Additionally, they share insights into the creation of animations and interfaces on the social media platform Instagram, specifically within the Stories feature. Behance has initiated a series of live streams in which designers address design challenges in front of a broad audience. A notable shift has occurred in the manner in which designers are willing to share their work. Rather than merely presenting their practices, they are now willing to divulge even their failures. The creative process and the skills required to complete a design are deliberately revealed and disseminated.



The phenomenon of open kitchens is therefore being introduced to an environment that would previously have been considered an unlikely venue for such a concept. A new concept is emerging which suggests that it is no longer sufficient to simply serve excellent food and provide impeccable service to guests. In order to fully satisfy the culinary experience and encourage the desire to share it further, it is now necessary to reveal the process and commitment involved. Clients are willing to pay a premium for this.



It is becoming increasingly evident that clients are not solely concerned with the final outcome, but also with the process itself. They place a growing emphasis on transparency, openness and authenticity in the environment in which things are created. They also value the ability to learn from mistakes. Furthermore, clients are becoming more aware of the importance of collaboration and sharing experiences.

As with any other field, the extent of design liberalisation will be a crucial factor. We can anticipate seeing design celebrities addressing design problems in a direct manner. The abundance of design tutorials and the proliferation of design content on social media platforms have made design accessible to a wider audience. However, this accessibility can potentially lead to a devaluation of design and a sense of self-sufficiency among clients, who may believe they are capable of creating designs independently.
 
Nevertheless, it is evident that involving the client in the design process has considerable advantages for creative professionals. By participating in the creative process, the client is able to gain a deeper understanding of the design, become part of it, and ultimately promote the creativity (which they have experienced first-hand) within their company. This is beneficial for the creative professionals, who can focus on their core competencies instead of selling.

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