A Design Process. Part 2.

In my last post, I explained why I start any design process with a 3″ x 5″ index card and some notes or sketches.

In this post, I take those initial designs to the next level.

I am still working on paper at this point. I still have yet to turn on a computer during this phase.  However, if I have determined that an idea or concept needs to be explored further and taken to another design pass, I use either a Design Notebook or an Engineering Notebook for this step.

Briefly, they look like this:

Fancy huh?

These are special notebooks though… don’t be blinded by the ostentatious glitz that these notebooks exude.  Behind those stark, black covers are incredibly important tools for design work.

I purchase these notebooks from a company called Scientific Notebook Company.  These are laboratory or research notebooks, specifically manufactured for the purpose of creating legal documentation of research or design work.  Am I doing such work? Sometimes.  But the key here is that these are beautifully constructed and reasonably priced.  And, for what they offer, I feel it’s an important step in any creative or design work, irregardless of whether or not you need legal proof that you are, in fact, the originator of an idea or product.

Mostly, they are just fun to draw and write in.

Now, if you look at snco.com’s fairly minimal site – no fancy HTML5 or CSS3 here – you will quickly see that they can imprint ANY title on your notebook as well as add your company name or logo for an additional charge.  Pretty cool.  I can also attest to their reliable order process and quick shipping.  An easy company to work with. A+++ GREAT SELLER. WILL BUY FROM AGAIN!

I also like  that you can get them in different page configurations too.  In the Engineering Notebook, for example, a typical page looks like this:

They can include blank pages for drawings and sketches as well.

May I suggest you take a look at these notebooks for your own work.  They definitely help you organize your thoughts and ideas.  And, if you ever come up with something you may want to patent someday, you’ll be set.