Are there any steps you would add to the process?
For a project to be successful you need to start somewhere and that somewhere is ground zero. There is a basic set of steps that need to be assessed before you can start. As the workbook states, you need to outline what the process is, what kind of team members you will need for the project, project leads aka point people, and a timeline for when the project needs to be completed. Aside from those aspects, for Information design I personally do not believe you would need to add anything as you have covered your primary bases. You will need to account for setbacks maybe such as a recovery team to help chip in when something goes south or is lagging behind. This can be accounted for within the timeline.
How do you think the process can be improved?
This is not so much as an improvement as much as an addition. As the project being discussed, costs and manpower will also need to be accounted for. For instance, if someone is sick one day can someone else pick up that designers slack which is mentioned under planning for the long run within the design workbook. Constant updates need to be well available to all members of the team. If one team is ahead of schedule can we reassign them to a different portion of the project? Will they need training before hand? This also needs to be accounted for.
What do you believe to be the most important step of the process?
I believe that the most important part of any project is the timeline and accounting for fluctuations in the proposed schedule. The timeline will always fluctuate depends on circumstances and this always needs and should be updated and available to team members. Testing out the project whether through a database, a well constructed blueprint, or some type of funnel design such as the one for "It's all good" within the Information Design Workbook (p. 72.) is also essential as we need to know if the project can function in the real world. As long as everyone is working at the same pace everything can go by smoothly.
What this really comes down to what the client wants, what the client feels needs to be added or changed, and if they are happy. No matter how good you might think the project may be, if the client doesn't like it, it may as well be garbage. They are the ones buying the product (when I say product I mean the completed Design Project). A lot of what goes into play as far as my particular interest in this field would be a Graphic designer. So ensuring the graphical portion of this information display i.e. fonts, signs, mapping, etc. would be my primary concern.
Hi Zack-
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post. As far as the design layout, I would have liked to see perhaps a less stark color or maybe a larger size for the text since I found it somewhat difficult to read. Also, it could have used some more pictures. I did like how you spaced out each paragraph with a title question? That was very helpful contextually.
Overall, the content was great. I also believe that having a flexible timeline is so important and you're right, allowing for some leeway with project teams makes for a better organized project overall. I mentioned in my blog that having some slack in the timeline (maybe just a few weeks) is essential because usually nothing runs exactly on time.
I also like your comment about utilizing another team who has finished their piece to step in for another role in the group. It'd be nice to have a team where the roles are interchangeable or where everyone has a very similar education or experience.
Julie Mazza
Hi Zach,
ReplyDeleteI like how you begin with the most important part of the design process be about the design team and the time line everyone on the team is expected to follow. Setting a timeline is crucial to make sure every step of the design process runs smoothly while also allowing the extra time for unseen obstacles, a team member running behind, or even newer, better ideas that would require more time in editing the initial design idea. In a time line, room for all of these issues is crucial and in the briefing with the client, it is important to find out what their expectations and guidelines / time limits are in order to focus your time line well enough to deal with unforeseen issues in the future. It is also really important to keep your design team on the same page so it is notable to mention that you said if one member runs behind perhaps another can pick up the slack... sort of a give and take in the collaboration aspect of a team, which is definitely important in dealing with a design team under your (or the lead designers) deadlines and time frame.
Zach, I understand fully and clearly the points you make about the process of Information Design. I particularly agree that planning for the unplanned is a smart move. It isn't about postulating and expecting problems, just creating some wiggle room.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, I find the dramatic visual effect of your design attractive and initially pleasing and usually it works really well. This time, however, I had a difficult time reading the text. The size and color that you used in Sign Posting/Wayfinding was easier on the eyes.
Still, a very nice job and nicely written. Thanks, Margot