Diagram of Creative Process (Section III) within Design Methodology
Evaluation, Pros & Cons
Based on Section III. Creation Process, of my Design Methodology, each step is not always applied to a project or followed in order as listed, yet the list makes for a good reference for self-evaluation. For example, if I have a firm grasp on a project from the very beginning due to past experience, instincts or if the project is recurring (or a combination all three elements), than I may likely not need to address every step in the creative process. A firm or forced deadline will also not allow time to explore every step in the process.
What I value most during the creative process is collaboration. My expectations of collaborating may not always be met, but when an outside perspective provides a chance to rethink a project, my level of excitement increases. When I become more excited, I tend to discover an unending flow through exploration. Flat, uninteresting, predictable feedback isn’t necessarily a negative attribute, as I often see it as re-affirmative instead. The most obvious downfall, is that predictable feedback provides little when in search or sometimes in need of an outside perspective. Therefore, I always prefer to provide a balance of constructive criticism and positive reinforcement and only hope the same is returned.
My weakness is complacency. When or if I have determined that “something” works, I almost always try to find ways to infuse “something” into the next project. In doing so, I don’t often dedicate time to exploration or experimentation outside of graduate school. If and when I do realize how I might experiment, it’s usually only contained in my thought and not by action. This is an area in which I really where I want to get more involved–experimenting for the sake of realizing new solutions. Research is always a critical component to these rare occasions. Other areas which I don’t feel that I’m always motivated (or deemed as a weakness): wanting to be a team player, tackling several small projects, going with the popular vote, dealing with irrational clients (likely the worst of the worst).