The process and methodology of “Design Systems Thinking” enables a designer to go through a series of steps to insure that he or she has considered all of the aspects of a problem in order to resolve it successfully. For example, designers must first determine what they are attempting to achieve. This will determine the type of research necessary. Design briefs should include a field of study, which states the function of the design. The field of study will lead to a project focus, and the focus will lead to the method/methods used for research. For example, if a brochure has a target audience of a specific cultural heritage, the designer will need to learn about groups with that specific heritage. Designers must also consider the relationship their designs will have with existing designs dealing with the same function.
During the project focus phase, the designer develops the specific message for a specific audience. The designer should be able to voice the specifics of the design project. For example, a designer may focus on the message to persuade a target audience to buy a product. In another case, the focus may be on how to persuade the target group to follow certain instruction that rely solely on signs.
After the focus for the message is developed, design briefs enter the research methodology phase, and the designer outlines how to develop and test the project. The time frame is developed, and the designer notes all deadlines. Designers design on ways to test the effectiveness of visual messages. Focus groups and surveys are two methods. The design brief contains the cost of different methods, and designers develop a budget. Going through the phases helps to avoid personal biases that are present in everyone. The designer will better understand both the client and the intended audience. In addition, the presence of ambiguous messages in the final product is greatly reduced.
The Heads Up program is a joint effort between Scholastic Inc. and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The program on Scholastic’s website provides teenagers with “science-based materials” about drugs and alcohol illustrated with graphics.
http://headsup.scholastic.com/students/drugs-your-life
The graphic above accompanies a warning that the use of marijuana reduces grades. The science-based materials would have identified the problem. The design shows evidence of research because it features a scan Tron sheet for a multiple-choice test. The design focuses on students who are, at least, in high school.
http://headsup.scholastic.com/students/drugs-your-life
The text accompanying this photograph warns that “teens who have used drugs in the past year are about 2 times more likely as teens who have not used drugs to be involved in violent behavior” (“Heads Up”). This design does not look researched. The student is well dressed with very short hair. Many high school students would have trouble identifying with him.
Works Cited
“Heads UP.” Scholastic. Scholastic, 2015.Web. 11 April, 2015. <http://headsup.scholastic.com/students/drugs-your-life>
Noble, Ian and Russell Bestley. Visual Research: An Introduction to Research Methodologies in Graphic Design. 2nd ed. Lausanne: AVA Publishing SA, 2011. Print.
Visually Speaking 