How do you tackle a new design project?

1 Understand the brief

The first step in any design project is to understand the brief, which is the document that defines the objectives, requirements, and constraints of the project. The brief may come from a client, a manufacturer, or your own vision, but it should clearly state the purpose, target market, budget, timeline, and specifications of the vehicle you are designing. You should read the brief carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear or ambiguous. You should also research the background, context, and competitors of the project to gain a deeper insight into the problem and the opportunities.

2 Generate ideas

The next step is to generate as many ideas as possible to explore different directions and possibilities for the design. You can use various techniques to stimulate your creativity, such as brainstorming, sketching, mood boards, mind maps, or 3D modeling. You should not limit yourself by feasibility or realism at this stage, but rather focus on expressing your vision and personality. You should also seek feedback and input from other designers, engineers, or users to refine and improve your ideas.

3 Evaluate and select

Once you have a pool of ideas, you need to evaluate and select the best ones that meet the brief and your own criteria. You can use different methods to assess and compare your ideas, such as SWOT analysis, scoring matrix, or prototyping. You should consider various aspects of the design, such as aesthetics, functionality, ergonomics, safety, sustainability, and cost. You should also test your ideas with potential users or customers to get their opinions and preferences. You should then narrow down your options to one or a few that you will develop further.

4 Develop and refine

The next step is to develop and refine your selected idea or ideas into a more detailed and realistic design. You should use various tools and techniques to enhance and optimize your design, such as CAD, clay modeling, rendering, or simulation. You should also consider the technical and engineering aspects of the design, such as materials, dimensions, weight, performance, or emissions. You should also check and validate your design against the brief and the regulations to ensure compliance and feasibility.

5 Communicate and present

The final step is to communicate and present your design to the relevant stakeholders, such as the client, the manufacturer, or the public. You should use various media and formats to showcase your design, such as sketches, drawings, models, animations, or videos. You should also explain the rationale, benefits, and features of your design, as well as how it meets the brief and the user needs. You should also be prepared to answer questions, receive feedback, and justify your decisions.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?