CHAPTER 11 THE DESIGN PROCESS Notes taken from

CHAPTER 11 THE DESIGN PROCESS Notes taken from Gillette’s Designing with Light

Design Process � � Design is a process, not an art “Just as a roadmap isn’t the trip, the process isn’t the design. ” � After you have used the process several times and know the process, forget about it. � Not concentrating on the steps can lead to more creativity

Design Process � � The design process is a method for finding the answers Problem-solving model 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Commitment Analysis Research Incubation Selection Implementation Evaluation

Design Process � � Is not simple Is not linear � Check previous steps to ensure you are headed in the right direction

Design Process

Design Process � Commitment � Most important step � Wholeheartedly commit your energies to an assignment � Use the word “challenge” instead of problem � Overcome negative feelings toward the project

Design Process � Analysis Gather information to help clarify and define the challenge you are facing � Identify areas needing more research � Read the play � Talk to other members of the design team �

Design Process � Analysis Who is producing the play? What is the budget? When is the design due? Why are we doing the play? How is the equipment we are renting being delivered? � Stream of consciousness questioning � Asking whatever relevant questions come to mind during a discussion

Design Process � Analysis � The Questioning Process One of the keys to creativity Analyze the script, ask questions of the design team, learn what they are thinking, feeling and planning, see how it fits in with your reactions and plans

Design Process � Research � Write down what you need to research as you work � Background research Previous productions Social and artistic history of the period and play Trends and styles �Architecture, lighting fixtures…

Design Process � Research � Conceptual research Multiple solutions to specific design challenges Remove perceptual block Don’t judge or discard any idea

Design Process � Incubation � Provides you with time to let ideas hatch � Sleep on it � Time to not work on it consciously

Design Process � Selection � Sift through information and decide on your specific design concept � Discuss with Design Team Submit sketches, previsualization, research � Finished with selection phase when the director is satisfied that designs support the production design concept

Design Process � Implementation � Begins when you stop planning and start doing � Produce light plot, lighting sectional, instrument schedule, other lighting paperwork � Hang, focus and run show

Design Process � Evaluation � Occurs with each step of the process � Did you do everything possible to ensure success? � Methods and materials used to reach the final design goal � Communication Process