Week 5: Thoughts On Ideas

This week asked the inquiry of thought and how it's changed over the years from a more scientific approach to more of a psychological way of thinking about design.

This lecture surely didn't disappoint this week. Talk about an information overload (and that's a good thing.) I always said that I have to wear many hats when designing, even using that terminology in several interviews.. now I know exactly WHY people say that.

Who would've thought!

A real full-circle moment. At least now I can tell you which hat I properly wear. And no.. it isn't the camo hat that I wear frequently in our webinars!

Lecture

This week's lecture brought the introduction of a variety of models, systems, and, well... hats!

Susanna Edwards started by mentioning during the early 1900s design was very scientific. The way it was approached, thought of, and assessed.

This can be directly quoted from the early days of the design process, with spearheads such as Bruce Archer stating that it was:

'employing a combination of the intuitive and the cognitive'

It began as a simple gateway. Analysis-->Synthesis-->Evaluation

With those roots of what makes the design process, it has taken a less scientific approach since time has gone on. As new models arrive and business models are tweaked, the design process's borders begin to blur with factors such as technology. social responsibility and legislation.

Nowadays, we have what is called the Double Diamond model. Which stands for:

Deliver, Define, Develop and Deliver

Discover:

It begins with an initial idea or inspiration; think research, market research, etc. Essentially, a company is asking a question, identifying a problem, by analyzing market data, trends, and other sources.

Define:

Interpretation and alignment begin to form. Think project management. This phase is thought of like a filter

Develop:

A period where the solutions are made. Seems self-explanatory.

And finally, Deliver:

The product was finalized, tested, produced, and launched.

Thinking back on it, I hope that I'll be able to test, produce, and launch my second project like a rocket!

This week also brought me knowledge of what Edward De Bono's Six Thinking Hat's were. It's an extremely useful tool for a group to tackle a problem from all angles. With subjects of information gathering, feelings, caution, benefits, creativity, and process, it's no wonder why this holds true.

Now I know why I wear my 'green' camo hat so much..

Not only did we learn these two models, but also two ways of thinking as well. That being quick and effortful. Left and right brains.

A very insightful lecture for sure.

Research

For research this week, I found a design studio that peaked my interest and has a very topical name in relation to the lecture this week, that being Green Hat Studio.

Greenhat's Logo

Given their green hat attitude, they are certainly most creative. Mainly working with brands in the UK.

They state:

As a graphic design company we believe in creating beautiful and intelligent design experiences that have a positive impact.

I think that's something these days you don't see as much, especially. Some agencies seem to be in it for the money, some for the notoriety; it's amazing to see a team that focus on projects that specialize in positivity.

One example of a project I found was for 'Infectigators.'

They worked with the University of Bristol to produce a short animation and game that teaches secondary students about infectious diseases. And for children that matter? What gets better than that! Not to mention I do love the art style as shown here..

Illustrations from Green Hat Agency

Task

As for my task this week.. I was asked to:

Visit the library catalogue and start drawing up a reading list of design-related texts that you can begin to develop throughout your time on the course. Look for books and articles that are available online.

Having said that, there is a book that peaked my interest.. that being Sketchbooks: The Hidden Art of Designers, Illustrators, and Creatives. I'm hoping to read this book soon, as I see it's on our reading list next week. Curious to see the illustrator portion, as that is one of my weak points.

For reference, I love hidden easter eggs within design. I try to add many to my own designs at times. Whether they're slogans, chants, messages, or anything that I can include within a piece of art, I think it adds to the character of the piece.

References

admin. (2024). How to use the “Bono Six Thinking Hats” in your coaching practice- My coaching toolkit. In My coaching toolkit. https://mycoachingtoolkit.com/how-to-use-the-bono-six-thinking-hats-technique-in-your-coaching-practice/

Infectigators - Green Hat. (2025, December 3). Green Hat. https://greenhat.studio/portfolio/infectigators/

Infectigators. Green Hat. (n.d.). https://greenhat.studio/portfolio/infectigators/

Mycoachingtoolkit. (2024, November 6). How to use the “Bono six thinking hats” In your coaching practice. My coaching toolkit. https://mycoachingtoolkit.com/how-to-use-the-bono-six-thinking-hats-technique-in-your-coaching-practice/