DESIGN TIP #1
DEFINING THE DESIGN PROBLEM:
A good technique to get ideas flowing, according to Edward de Bono, a British educator and author of several books on problem-solving, is to list all possible solutions to a problem. 

MAKE A LIST:

1. List all the things that come to mind relating to the design problem at hand.

2. Think about the intended audience. Make a list of things you associate with that audience. Is there anything special or peculiar about the audience?

3. List everything you know about the client or service you are trying to promote. This list should include the advantages and benefits of this product or service. Are there particular distinctive features? What would make people want this service or product?

4. List products or services that are in competition with your client, product or service. What feature is stressed in the promotional material for these products?

5. How can your client/product/service be presented in a unique way to compete with the products you have listed?

From "Graphic Design on the Desktop: A guide for the non-designer, second edition" by Marcelle Lapow Toor.

Marcelle Toor is the author of two books published by John Wiley & Sons. To order the books below online from John Wiley & Sons, click on the individual book.