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| RADIAL KNOWLEDGE MAPS AND OTHER TECHNIQUES |
V.Ryan © 2024 |
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| DESIGNERS - MIND MAPS |
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| There are several techniques that designers use, to help them consider all the possible factors, that affect the design of a product. One of the most useful is a Mind Map (seen below). This is a map of words, with the project / product being designed, at its centre. A typical mind map has different levels. First, the main word(s) at its centre (considered to be the title of the work, also known as level one), followed by a second level which can be considered as sub headings, relating to the title (centre word(s)). Levels three and four represent the breakdown / detail associated with the previous level. This layout can be seen in the example below. |
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| SAMPLE MIND MAP |
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| Mind Maps help a designer, to break down the design problem into areas that require further research and consideration. They are the start of the design process, the thinking process and are often constructed as the initial approach by a design team. They are sometimes regarded as necessary ‘rough’ work or essential working out. |
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| DESIGNERS - RICH PICTURES |
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| A Rich Picture is a slightly more sophisticated version of a mind map. A typical rich picture has all the detail and levels of a mind map, but includes illustrations / images that erepresent key words. Rich pictures are often constructed for the benefit of a client. A client will be more impressed by an illustrated mind map (a Rich Picture), because the quality of presentation, is higher than that of a mind map. It is a ‘glossy’ representation of a mind map. It is usually about impressing a client. |
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| SAMPLE RICH PICTURE |
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| DESIGNERS - RADIAL KNOWLEDGE MAP |
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A radial knowledge map, is very different than a mind map or rich picture. It is a stage further down the design process. A Radial Knowledge Map, is more rigid in its construction than a Mood Map. At its centre is the main theme. Main words are arranged on an inner circle. The outer circle has images that related to the main words.
For example, the Radial Knowledge Map below, has Design Movements / Designers at its centre. Around the inner circle are the names of Design Movements and well known International Designers. Arranged on the outer circle are images and designs that are associated to the Design Movement / Designer.
A Product Designer is normally given a design brief by a client, the theme is extracted from this and written at the Radial Knowledge Maps centre. Input by the client is vital, when constructing the radial knowledge map. The map helps the designer stay on task for the rest of the design process, focussed on what the client wants. |
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| SAMPLE RADIAL KNOWLEDGE MAP |
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| DESIGNERS - MOOD BOARDS |
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A Mood Board is usually compiled by a designer. It is a selection of inspiring images, colour schemes, typography and patterns, that focusses the mind of the designer, on the desired style / aesthetics of the final product. Mood Boards are often compiled by the designer and the client together.
A typical mood board can be seen below. It is a collection of images from the Art Deco era (1930s). The designer selected these images, so that he/she keeps to the style indicated by the design brief / client. |
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| SAMPLE MOOD BOARD |
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