My 4 step creative design process

I have a four step process for my design and creative work that I thought could be really useful to share. 

I will say, this is an ever-changing approach that can differ greatly from one project to the next. 

I believe that creativity is the backbone of any idea. It carries the vision and turns ideas into reality. If you have a process for creativity, then you can create almost anything. The incredible thing about this is that there is no ‘one’ process that leads to ‘one’ set outcome. There are many different ways we can arrive at the destination. 

For those who are wanting to put together an interior design scheme, or experiment with any sort of creative project, I’d love to share with you my current process which will give you a starting point and a guiding lens to begin to create from. 

In my experience, it can be easy to skip steps and miss key technicalities that lead to less than satisfactory results - this can be disappointing when you have a set budget or have only so much funds to allocate to a project. 

The idea of having a process is a way to funnel ideas and creativity so that it captures all the fundamental requirements that are important for you to achieve. 

With this being said, my four step process covers the Discovery Phase, Development Phase, Deployment Phase and Delivery Phase. 

Let me talk you through each one. 

PHASE 1 - DISCOVERY

The Discovery Phase is the most important point in any project. In my practice it involves an intensive design or creative consultation which runs through the entire scope and vision. Key objectives are defined and we get really, really clear on the goals and even the reasons behind the goals. Here we talk about things like budget, budget contingencies, timeframes, initial design inspiration and so much more.  

Next we drill down on specifics with a questionnaire that is part practical, part psychological and part inspirational. Here, I want to understand the needs of my clients on a really deep level. 

Following this I’ll do a site visit and walk through to measure the space, gathering as much technical and physical information as possible. If this is relevant to you, also get as many pictures as you can. It’s handy to refer to these right throughout the process. 

I also like to allocate a period of time for research - and this is relevant when I am working with both interiors and brands. We recognise that space and how we use it can also come down to environmental factors so I like to have a basic understanding of the suburb's history and key lifestyle and location demographics. Target markets, key positioning, brand criteria is also essential to understand when working with products or brands. 

Once I have gathered all of the information above I’ll do what we call in the biz, a Return Brief. This is a concise document which outlines the exact job specifications in detail. This gives you a super clear idea of exactly what the project is. Accompanying this is a moodboard to get ultra clear on the visual aesthetics taking into account the practical and functional elements of the job. 

The Return Brief and the Moodboard are a single point of contact that you can keep coming back to, to ensure you stay true to your vision and the outcomes you set out to achieve. 

Having this level of clarity before you start creating is a great roadmap to stay focused and create clearly. 

Key takeaways for the Discovery Phase 

-Get clear on your goals and the key outcomes you want to achieve

-Allocate a realistic budget

-Allocate a realistic timeframe

-Create a project questionnaire which deep dives into every nook and crannie of your vision 

-Do a site inspection of your space (if physical) get key measurements, ratios, orientation, natural lighting etc..

-Research - this could be your area / suburb, materials, technologies - whatever aspects of the project that you would benefit from having more information on in order to give you a full picture of the work or what you are trying to achieve. 

-Put together your Return Brief and Moodboard based on all of the information above.  

Lastly, once you’re finished and are satisfied with the direction you wish to take the project in, finalise this phase with a project timeline that outlines the key milestones of what needs to happen and by when. This will be your project management checklist and will ensure your plan comes to fruition in a timely manner by staying on task. You can also give this document out to anyone else who is working on the project with you.  

PHASE 2 - DEVELOPMENT 

This phase can be as intensive or as simple as you like depending on the project and outcomes. Essentially here, we’re designing or creating! 

For a full design project, we’d be looking at everything from space planning, selecting colours and materials, selecting fixtures, fittings, furniture and equipment - wallcoverings, window treatments - the list goes on and on. We’d be getting floor plans and technical drawings done to communicate the design intent and start visualising the exact scope in real form!

For a brand, this is where we’re developing the strategy and infrastructure of its identity.  

No matter what you’re working on, the Development Phase is about bringing your ideas together to create a realistic concept that matches your Return Brief from a time, budget, vision, goal and aesthetic perspective. 

It lists and itemises each component of the design. You’ll have your final visuals mapped out on whatever program, software or moodboard medium you’re using and it will correspond with a schedule that links product, cost and key particulars. This becomes the map of how to deploy your creative work. 

Finishing this, means you’ve finished the design and all you have to do is execute!

PHASE 3 - DEPLOYMENT 

Next we deploy the design or creative work. This means getting quotes and locking in trades, suppliers, key specialists and collaborators. Anything you need to outsource happens here.  

It means purchasing products and project managing the design to fruition. 

PHASE 4 - DELIVER

Lastly, the project is ready to deliver! This is the icing on the cake when it comes to any creative project. In interiors it could be installing and styling the space once all the works are complete. 

In branding, it’s handing over the final files and teaching the client how to fully operate and use their brand to its highest potential. 

This is the phase where you finalise the details to the exact vision and standard you intended it to be. It’s where you get to step back and soak up the reality of your creative pursuit. Be proud of what you’ve created! And don’t forget to document it for personal or professional use! 

The Delivery Phase is all about celebrating and enjoying the end result - a creation that has been brought forth from nothing, into something unique and special - created by you!

TO BE HUMAN IS TO CREATE 

I believe all human beings have the urge to create. Just look around you - anything that’s not the natural world started off as an idea and a creation from someone, and that’s incredibly inspiring!  

So, I hope this overview helps you get started on your next creative project - be it an interior design scheme, brand, new product idea, table scape, piece of art, event - or whatever your heart desires! 

Creativity is so magical. I am continuously lost for words at the imagination and beauty of what a human can create. 

I often hear people say they want to ‘create’ but get stuck as to where to start. For some, maybe this process may help. Even if it’s just to get the ball rolling. 

For a more tailored and detailed approach to the creative process, I do offer customised consultations and would be happy to support you with wherever you’re at on your personal creative journey. 

If you feel called to take things further, please feel free to reach out to me directly - lou@loumarx.com

Happy creating!

Lou x