My Creative Process: The 4 E’s - Execute
Part 3/4
In the previous posts, I shared the foundational stages of my creative process: Evaluation and Exploration. Now, it's time to look into the "Execute" phase, this is this part where I try to bring my ideas to life. I translate abstract concepts into tangible designs using a combination of digital tools and a collaborative approach.
My Creative Toolkit
The primary tools (Programs) I use are:
Figma: This versatile design platform is my go-to for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaboration. Its intuitive interface and real-time collaboration features make it an invaluable tool for bringing digital experiences to life.
Adobe Illustrator: This industry-standard vector graphics editor is my weapon of choice for creating scalable logos, icons, illustrations, and brand assets. Its precision and versatility allow me to craft intricate designs with meticulous detail.
Adobe Photoshop: Photoshop is indispensable for image manipulation, photo retouching, and creating stunning visual effects. I utilize its powerful tools to enhance images, create photorealistic compositions, and bring my creative vision to life. The new Ai tools are really powerful and have saved alot of time recently.
Adobe InDesign: This layout and publishing software is essential for creating professional-looking documents, brochures, presentations, and other print materials. InDesign allows me to organise content effectively, maintain brand consistency, and produce high-quality deliverables. I’m not going to lie, I find InDesign overwhelming at times and where I use Illustrator the most I often use the wrong shortcuts.
These digital tools are the extensions of my creativity, enabling me to translate abstract ideas into tangible, visually compelling designs. Its really important to stay up to date with releases and updates as it’s easy to fall behind.
The Importance of Feedback and Iteration
The execution phase doesn’t need to always be done alone. I believe in the power of collaboration and actively seek feedback throughout the design process. Regular check-ins with my team allow for constructive criticism, the identification of potential roadblocks, and the opportunity to refine my designs based on valuable input. Sometimes it good to keep the eyes a rest and come back to designs after a break so going through designs over a coffee can help alot. I’ve spent the last year working alot on Figma which allows dev’s to comment and follow the design take place in real time, this is really helpful and saves time if concepts go down the wrong route or if development on certain design might be a push too far in the timeframe given. I also like to ask colleagues for votes between concept A & concept B, sometimes this gives me insights that I might not have thought about. This iterative process ensures that the final designs are not only visually appealing but also meet the project's objectives and the client's needs.
Presenting the Vision: Showcasing the Final Designs
The culmination of the execution phase is often a formal presentation. This is where I showcase the final designs to stakeholders, the leadership team, and other key decision-makers. These presentations provide an opportunity to:
Communicate the design rationale: I present the design decisions behind each element, explaining how they align with the project goals and target audience.
Gather feedback and approval: I actively embrace constructive feedback and address any concerns or questions that may arise.
Gain buy-in: I strive to gain approval for the final designs and secure the necessary resources to move forward with implementation.
The presentation phase is not just about showcasing the final product; it's also an opportunity to demonstrate my design thinking process and build strong relationships with stakeholders.
In Summary:
The execute phase is where my creative vision takes shape. By leveraging a combination of digital tools, embracing iterative feedback, and effectively communicating my design rationale, The aim is to create high-quality, impactful designs that meet the project's objectives and exceed expectations.