Principles Of Design
As a reflection, I’d like to highlight some principles of design I learned this semester that I have found particularly interesting. Over the course of the semester, the importance of low-fidelity has been stressed. Whether that is in the form of a prototype, an idea, a system model or a need statement – the overarching premise is the same. In the design process, the worst thing to do is to close yourself off to new ideas by pledging allegiance to one. Thus, a transformative process for me has been to think of issue in terms of strictly needs, thereby fighting my instinct to immediately ascribe a solution to the issue.
For example, this shift in mindset would allow me to identify that there needs to be a better way for men and women to secure their belongings without holding a wallet or purse. Instead of immediately suggesting sleek unisex fanny packs, however, I would instead try to delve deeper into the roots of the issue to create more opportunity for understanding and ingenuity.
For prototypes, low-fidelity is the choice between a costly and laborious physical model versus a cardboard and toothpick structure that will convey the same message. From low-fidelity brings another principle: iterations. The two are inherently connected and are necessary for a successful design because no one ever gets it right the first time. In a way, this is representative of how most of life works: practice makes perfect. Iterations force you to push beyond what is comfortable and familiar in order to reach new horizons. Other principles: communication, creativity, and empathy. The best part of human-centered design is also a challenge: the “customer” is ever-changing, with complex thought and varying needs.
BME Design 