Design Process and Design Communication
Design Process and Design Communication
This domain tests how a design moves from brief to resolved product and how it is communicated to a client, maker or examiner. Expect questions on research, specification, annotation and evaluation.
Core rules
- The process is iterative: brief → research → analysis → design ideas → development → final design → specification → evaluation. Evidence at each stage matters.
- A design brief states the problem and constraints; a specification is measurable (fibre, colourfastness, seam type, cost, size).
- A client profile includes age, size, lifestyle, budget and needs; it prevents designing for yourself.
- Communication includes mood boards, client profiles, annotated sketches, flats, samples and toiles. Annotation explains function, not just appearance.
Worked example
Brief: a washable apron for a pottery studio. Research shows clay dust and hot water. Specification: cotton canvas, dark colour, adjustable neck strap, reinforced pocket, 2 cm hem. The design idea sketches the apron; annotation explains the strap and pocket. Evaluation tests against brief.
Traps
Skipping research or presenting one idea without development; vague words like 'comfortable' without a measurable specification; decorative annotation that ignores manufacture.