The Importance of References in Design

To repeat the same sentiment expressed in the research section, references play a crucial role in the design process.

Design References help you to make design decisions, inspire creativity, and ensure your work is informed and relates to your intended purpose.

In your design process, always consider the sources and inspirations that inform your work.

In practice design references should be present throughout your project and visible in your documentation.

Your design needs to be iterative

Working iteratively allows designers to refine their ideas and improve their solutions based on feedback and testing.

You need to show evidence of iterations in your project, not showing a range of alternative options, and or pathways that your design project could have taken.

Design Iteration in Practice

This example was a logo design project that I was approached to do for a colleague. Through out the project I offered the colleague various design options and iterations to ensure the final logo met their needs and expectations.