# eight step creative process and the four Ps This is a solid creative process that works pretty well for delivering a professional client project. Many of the ideas overlap with other [[! creative process frameworks|creative processes]]. This is the system I use in my design classes. I'm not sure where I picked up this framework or who wrote it originally or if it is something I put together. It is something I've been using for so long that the source is lost in mystery. --- **The four Ps**: I like to organize the list into the four Ps to simplify. My assessments of design assignments give equal weight to each of these four sections. ### 1. Preparation 1\. **[[empathy|Empathize]]**. Meet your client and investigate their needs. This is the designer's personal project understanding. Helps to shift from personal ideas/aesthetics to client focus. Remember, you are the [[hired help]]. 2\. **Define/Plan**. Research the project and create a plan to complete the project. Can create Project Plan, Creative Brief, or even formal Client Contract. This is the process of formalizing both process and conceptual understanding so that everyone agrees on the requirements. 3\. **[[research|Research]] and [[ideation|Ideate]].** Research inspiration. Create a mood board to explore different ideas and choose images, orientations, textures, color and typography.  Begin preliminary design concepting. Start coming up with the Big Ideas to explore. ### 2. Process 4\. **[[prototype|Prototype]].** Explore possible design solutions. This is fun part that most people perceive as the main activity of design. It is the [[divergent thinking]] phase of design where new ideas are explored. 5\. **Test.** Gather feedback, check against client/project parameters. In class the feedback can be through individual or group formative feedback. Professional feedback could be with client, end-users, or in-house critique. Also known as the validation phase. 6\. **[[iteration|Iterate]].** Prototype and Test against Plan and Research as necessary to find proper solution. Several rounds of design may be needed as new information and understanding are established. The hope is that the solution refines over successive rounds of design iteration. This is the [[convergent thinking]] phase of the design. ### 3. Product 7\. **Deliver.** Create final deliverables as specified in Plan/Contract. This includes graphic work and project implementation. It is the production phase where you focus on [[just finish|getting the work done]]. ### 4. Post-Production 8\. **Evaluate and [[take time to reflect|Reflect]].** Done at the conclusion of the project. What was learned, successes, failures, etc.? Focus on both specific project and larger context of design learning. Could include looking toward future projects. In class, this includes self-reflection and summative critique presentations. Sadly, this doesn't seem to exist as a formal stage of professional industry except by those who have a reflective mindset. --- The version I use in class is a variation on this list with some elements combined and some separated. ![[4Pprocess-1.webp]]