Hi readers,

In GRDS 701: Graphic Design Seminar:  Methodologies, we have been exploring different research methods and design processes. In GRDS 702:  Graphic Design Studio:  Methodological Practice, we discussed the topic of heuristic biases. Heuristic biases are when the brain creates pathways of thought from learned behaviors and patterns that we follow. Given that my brain has been forced to digest information from two courses, I have subconsciously merged a great deal of the information I have acquired from them. From all of the studies, research and information I have been introduced to, I have formed a conclusion:  My personality shows through my ideation process.

Throughout this quarter, I have been practicing another concept introduced in 702, ‘Orbiting the Hairball’. The idea of ‘orbiting the hairball’ is to step outside of existing ways of behavior and abandon your existing ways of behavior. What I have noticed this quarter, though, is that your heuristic biases shape everything about you, including the way you design. What I am accustomed to, what I have been previously introduced to, and the life I live all in some way inform how I choose to design. So orbiting my hairball is so much easier said than done. As stated in a previous blog post, my creative process changes pretty often, but the fundamental elements, for the most part, remain the same. Not only does my creative process cater to the particular design problem I am working to solve at the time, but it also caters to my personality…what makes me feel the most comfortable with executing the project. I find that the more comfort I find in working through my ideation process, the more successful the design solution is.

I recently drafted a limited literature review about stress in graphic design careers. The reason I chose that topic is because, ironically, I am a very stress-prone person…BUT I love graphic design, and contrary to the stress factor, I have a very jolly personality. You’re probably wondering, “Why is this girl rambling and how in the world does all of this relate?” Well, this quarter, I committed to warding off stress and being my natural bubbly self, even while trying to solve the most stressful design problems. So, my goal has been to find as much comfort and enjoyment in my ideation process as possible. That way my personality shines through my work and my love for graphic design isn’t contradicted when stress rears its ugly head.

I would encourage everyone, if they have not already to take a moment and reflect on how there personality is revealed in their ideation process. I know that for the most part, designers use the typical:

1. Research
2. Brainstorming
3. Thumbnails
4. Sketches
5. Refined comps
6. Execution.

However, I find it pretty rewarding to adjust the components of each step to fit my liking per design concept. It makes the process all the more enjoyable. Make sense?

As always, thanks for reading!

Reshonda,