Finding stimuli for design work
Designers find stimuli in a number of ways. Stimuli give designers ideas for solving a problem and help them to create new and original designs. You may find stimuli in:
- Your design brief – this outlines the requirements of your project and should give you some useful starting points.
- A source of inspiration – this can help to generate ideas for the style of your design.
- Social influences, such as design trends or consumer needs.
- Cultural influences, such as a particular design movement.
- Market research – investigating designs already on the market might inspire you. You could carry out a survey or questionnaire if appropriate to your brief.
- The work of specific designers may influence your approach.
This mood board for a textile design project has used reptiles and existing fashion items as inspiration
When choosing a stimulus for design work, try to do the following:
- Select a stimulus which relates well to your design brief.
- Consider different sources for your market research and investigations – the world around you, shops or online outlets, books, magazines, design websites.
- Keep an open mind - it is a process of exploration.