Resnik’s Design for Communication

When considering a new design problem, the first step is to generate as many ideas as possible. At first, lists of words and webs of concepts are helpful in getting out a large number of ideas. Next, many thumbnails should be generated. Enough should be made such that it is challenging to create new, unique solutions. Upon concluding the thumbnail sketching phase, layouts can be created to show the effect of a composition at full scale. These layouts are not of final quality, but are meant to give a general feel for how a design will read. Next, critiques of a few layouts should occur. The feedback can come at a time when it’s necessary to step back from the design. Upon giving a composition a break, fresh eyes will make for a stronger final iteration. The final iteration, or comprehensive, is finished to high quality such that the idea is clearly conveyed.