Designs are the objectification of some idea or concept. A design is simply a blueprint or description of the structure or formation of an entity or system, or the outcome of that blueprint or description in the form of some prototype, machine or experiment. The word ‘design’ is also used in science to mean the record of the arrangement of matter on a large scale. The French have been associated with the term design since the seventeenth century. It first appears in print in a quotation by Christopher Wren: ‘Vertue et premature, quo vivre seulement, comme les ouates de l’emplo’; this means, ‘to make before and to meet afterwards.’
In the context of product design, designs are the outcome of a process of conceptualization, modeling, and implementation. A product is designed to satisfy certain needs or requirements, which are pre-determined by the stakeholders. These needs may be based on the organizational or product-buying goals of the organization. Designing process involves numerous steps and each step has a specific goal, which is referred to as a ‘target’ in the organization. Designing is used to achieve these targets.
One of the biggest challenges for graphic designers is how to express ideas clearly, so designers can be considered ‘artists’. The process is not a one-step process, as some people might think. There are many different stages involved in the graphic design process. These include conceptualizing the designs, designing the materials and creating the layout and finally, is it painted or drawn? The process does not end at designing as it should start from the sketching to the final painting. In other words, all the stages should be linked to one another.
Many people consider graphic and fine art to be the same thing but they are actually not. Although both involve visual communication and creativity, they are two different branches of the same tree. In visual media, designers use images, sketches and paintings to produce visual representations of ideas and concepts. Visual designs can be simple images, complex 3D graphics or images created using complex software programs. These visual designs can be utilized for communication purposes or for the creation of products.
On the other hand, graphic design deals more with the manipulation of images or other data through the use of computer software. It is used to create images that could be employed in various functionalities. Unlike visual designs, graphic designs do not have to show details in order to establish an idea. They just have to simplify or present a concept in a more comprehensible form. The graphic design artists work with clients to conceptualize and sketch the designs they want to create. From there, they can develop the illustration, photography and other tools required to make their creation come to life.
While both are involved in problem-solving, the process involves different kinds of skills in each field. Graphic design may require creative thinking and innovative use of computer software. Graphic design also requires conceptualization and expertise in problem-solving skills. However, it does not require an extensive amount of knowledge or particular skill in the use of computers. A good knowledge of computer software and a clear understanding of how the process works may be enough to meet both goals.
