how I solve a design problem

winston j. donmark

1. visit

1. visit

site at different times: listen; note use, flow, and light; photograph; and sketch.

1. visit

1. visit

2. research

1. visit

2. research

all background: floorplans, maps, measurements, history, manufacturers, conditions, budgets, records, minutes, legal requirements, and other solutions/best case examples I admire.

1. visit

2. research

1. visit

2. research

3. ask

1. visit

2. research

3. ask

key representatives: identify populations, users, decision-makers, and under-represented/voiceless; to gather stories, info, ideas, and stewardship.

1. visit

2. research

3. ask

1. visit

2. research

3. ask

4. listen

1. visit

2. research

3. ask

4. listen

at public workshops: with different groups to gather info, ideas, and build consensus, understanding, and support.

1. visit

2. research

3. ask

4. listen

1. visit

5. define

2. research

3. ask

4. listen

1. visit

5. define

2. research

3. ask

4. listen

project program and team: what is the problem? what is the scope? whose expertise is needed? write community and project story. build website for input and transparency.

1. visit

5. define

2. research

3. ask

4. listen

1. visit

5. define

2. research

3. ask

6. play

4. listen

1. visit

5. define

2. research

3. ask

6. play

4. listen

with all possibilities: step back, wordplay, memories, listing all ideas, all-out, fantastical, bare-bones, no assumptions…

1. visit

5. define

2. research

3. ask

6. play

4. listen

1. visit

5. define

7. try

2. research

3. ask

6. play

4. listen

1. visit

5. define

7. try

2. research

3. ask

6. play

4. listen

out ideas: sketch, prototype, build models, full-size mock-ups; test, fail, try again.

1. visit

5. define

7. try

2. research

3. ask

6. play

4. listen

1. visit

5. define

7. try

2. research

3. ask

6. play

4. listen

8. design

1. visit

5. define

7. try

2. research

3. ask

6. play

4. listen

8. design

in several loops: do real designs, show to interviewees, workshops, and on-line for updates, comments, and buy-in, and re-work: play, try, and redesign.

1. visit

5. define

7. try

2. research

3. ask

6. play

4. listen

8. design

1. visit

5. define

7. try

9. present

2. research

3. ask

6. play

4. listen

8. design

1. visit

5. define

7. try

9. present

2. research

3. ask

6. play

4. listen

8. design

final design: start with story of community, interviewees, people, and history; and design process, evolution, decisions, trade-offs; and final design. involve participants in presentation.

1. visit

5. define

7. try

9. present

2. research

3. ask

6. play

4. listen

8. design

1. visit

5. define

7. try

9. present

2. research

3. ask

6. play

10. check

4. listen

8. design

1. visit

5. define

7. try

9. present

2. research

3. ask

6. play

10. check

4. listen

8. design

construction and post-construction; review and tweak.

1. visit

5. define

7. try

9. present

2. research

3. ask

6. play

10. check

4. listen

8. design