MUPIC COURSE

Water Rescue Project – part of the presentation. Industrial design: Václav Svítil, Jan Vítek

The previous chapters have shown a logical sequence that will, ideally, enable us to reach the goal. However, it may happen that after the testing phase, we will have to return and change the technical specifications because we will find out that a certain part of the assignment cannot be solved. We will often seek compromises.

In our opinion, a quality product and a meaningful design can be recognized as early as in the definition phase. A student who can master and understand this part has a good prospect that his/her project will have an innovation potential.

Throughout the design process, we must not forget about our users or customers.

The definition is a difficult part and a certain level of experience is necessary to enable us to define the product. We usually advise students to focus on just a few things they can grasp.

It is important to set realistic goals, not to try to capture all the knowledge available and all possible technicalities. It makes sense to define the product from the user's point of view and, as a designer, try to fulfil all the important requirements.

The definition phase is also very important for consultations and evaluation of the work.

With a well-defined product, we know what we are looking for. We prepare a much easier position for ourselves and the consultants. Does our design meet the goals?

If we have a clear vision of what we are looking for, the answers can be clear and simple.

By creating detailed "user stories", we are preparing to defend and explain why our design looks the way it does, and why we chose certain solutions. One of the frequently made mistakes, not only among students, is omitting the first phases. Empathy is often replaced by desire: “I want to design something”. Empathy is replaced by egoism: “I want, I would like, I like.“ And a conviction that my solution (and the assignment itself) is good because it looks good to me and I like it. No, it is not good. It is necessary to criticize the topic itself and look for assignments that open space for creativity and innovation.

In general, we have an impression that many students avoid the testing phase. Their fear is irrational and the fact that they do not test their design means that they are stagnating in the best case. The design then continues to live from the first straightforward solutions, or its malfunction is hidden under an attractive styling. In the best case, the efforts result in variations of already existing products and resemble stylistic exercises of uneven quality that lack the ambition to innovate and succeed. 

We would like the students to master the individual phases of the creative process and understand their meaning.

Creative work is interesting, but it can lead to frustration if we are not able to use our designs and creative thinking properly and achieve tangible results.

A systematic approach enables us to be better oriented in our work.