The design component of what we do at Harmonic Media serves as the blueprint for seamlessly transforming abstract ideas into tangible and functional outcomes. And when done right, the design process ensures that the final product or outcome aligns with our clients’ expectations as well as the end-users’ needs.
Continuing to find ways to improve our design process allows us to stay ahead of the competition while consistently delivering high quality results. One of these enhancements involves a refined 3D rendering with the implementation of a program called SketchUp. The addition of this tool means we no longer have to rely on our pen to paper sketching skills. Instead of sending a photo of a hand drawn illustration for client approval, we can take an initial idea or concept and transform it into a design the client can easily visualize.
With a clear understanding of what to expect, clients can confidently give us the “thumbs up” to move forward and bring the SketchUp to life. As you can imagine, our current 3D rendering process has been a real game changer for both us and our clients. And in true Harmonic fashion, we’ll keep looking for ways to make things simpler and more effective for our clients. Maintaining a desire to provide exceptional customer service and custom printing products is our jam!
A Deep Dive into the Design Process
In the ever-evolving world of custom printing, the creative process serves as the compass that guides designers through the journey of turning ideas into tangible realities. That being said, there are various parts of the design process that we (and our clients) collaboratively work through in order to get freakin’ awesome results. Let’s take a little stroll down design lane, shall we?
Inspiration and Research
Inspiration can come from anywhere. Nature, art, an experience, or a marketing tactic implemented by a competitor. And as tempting as it may be to immediately enter into the brainstorming phase, it’s important to take a step back and do your homework. Both the client and the design team need to have a clear understanding of the target audience, market trends, and the project's context. These components lay the foundation for a design that resonates, communicates and gets the job done effectively.
Ideation and Conceptualization
Armed with inspiration and research, designers move on to the ideation phase. This is where group meetings, sketching, and mind mapping come into play. Ideas are explored and concepts are refined as the design begins to take shape. This phase encourages pushing the boundaries of creativity to find unique and innovative solutions to design challenges — a skill we happen to have mastered here at Harmonic.
Sketching and Wireframing
With a clear concept in mind, designers translate their ideas onto paper or screen through sketches and wireframes. This is the step where we get to showcase our SketchUp capabilities as we work to define the layout, structure, and functionality of the design. It's a crucial bridge between the abstract and the concrete, allowing clients like you to easily visualize your concepts. It’s a super exciting part of the process.
Prototyping and Evaluating
Once the wireframes are finalized and approved, our design team gets to work on creating prototypes. This allows us to test the functionality and user experience. And it allows you to provide early feedback that addresses potential issues before significant time and resources are invested into the final design.
Design Development
This is where the magic happens. Using software tools, designers incorporate colors, typography, imagery and other details. It is a part of the process that demands a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of design principles. Collaboration with other team members, such as developers, fabricators or installers, may also be necessary to ensure a cohesive and well-rounded final product.
Finalization and Delivery
With the design polished and refined, it's time for the grand reveal. This final phase involves preparing the design for delivery, installation or whatever other parts of the process need to be taken care of in order to deliver on the client’s vision and meet the end-users’ needs.
Just Design It!
The design process is dynamic and multifaceted. It demands creativity, collaboration, and adaptability — a trifecta you will only find when working with true custom printing professionals. By understanding and mastering each part of the design process, Harmonic Media is here to help you produce designs that captivate and inspire. Let’s talk!