Graphic Design For Dummies

Chapter 5

Design Is an Iterative Process

IN THIS CHAPTER

Understanding the cyclical and iterative nature of graphic design

Breaking down the different phases of the design process

Preparing your files with these helpful tips

At its core, graphic design is a cyclical process, and while the exact steps in this process may vary from designer to designer, several stages loop as a design solution evolves. This is important because approaching graphic design as a linear process with a beginning, middle, and end can truncate or shorten several important phases of the design process that are often important to developing a successful solution.

There’s no agreed-upon approach for solving a design problem, and we could argue about what to call the steps in this process, but generally speaking, the models all follow a pretty similar pattern. Sometimes, specific types of problems or mediums will dictate certain steps in this process, but you should be aware that a cyclical process seems to be an approach to generating design solutions that have emerged as being particularly helpful.

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