Jan 03 2009
The design process MUST start with paper
I don’t actually mean this in a random “this is a must follow rule” kind of way, but in a, “unless you sit in front of a canvas for a few hours and create something you can sell for thousands of dollars” you MUST being your design processes on paper.
No, you cannot use your computer to plan out this sketch. Unless of course again the rule stretches to fit you. Can you throw around a few Smart Guides in Photoshop or (guides in) The GIMP and quickly achieve the desired box layout? Can you then immediately throw a few organic compounds into place so your layout starts to flesh out? Can you then immediately match color schemes to the different components of the layouts?
If you can, the rule does not apply. If you cannot, then please, understand one thing…
The design process MUST start with paper.
Whether designing an application’s layout or GUI; defining the different components of a Web template; redesigning a company brochure; or creating a flyer for your favorite non-profit or church starting out on paper is a must.
One final tip (as if you could not guess) is if you begin the actual finalization of your layout by taking it from paper to its medium (computer, print, audio, whatever…) and you encounter problems or additional layout concerns then head immediately back to paper.
Going through this process is as much a learning experience as it is developing a work flow that suits your behaviors.
