# AIGA creative process The creative process outlined by the [American Institute of Graphic Artists](https://www.aiga.org) involves five steps… 1. **define** the problem to understand scope and requirements 2. **[[research]]** to understand and empathize 3. **idea** development and concepting ([[divergent thinking]] to explore possibilities) 4. design **development** ([[convergent thinking]] to refine ideas) 5. **implementation** of deliverables ![[419ebf0d6bce2471df96850309142985_MD5.jpeg]] I like the visual presentation of the process as a series of overlapping circles in a complex Venn diagram. The idea is that a good project and good solution will encompass all five stages of the process. There isn’t a linear flow focusing on a specific process that narrows in on a specific solution, only an acknowledgement that each stage should be considered. Of course, it is more efficient to follow the steps in order, however some designers like to jump directly into sketching initial ideas before spending time defining the problem and researching. The preliminary sketching can create a sense of ideas and awareness of possibilities that will influence project definition and research work.