How can you encourage innovation and creativity in commercial design?

1 Identify the problem

Before you start designing, you need to understand the problem you are trying to solve and the goals you are trying to achieve. This will help you define the scope, criteria, and constraints of your design project and guide your creative process. You can use various methods to identify the problem, such as brainstorming, research, interviews, surveys, or observation. The more you know about the problem, the more you can generate innovative and relevant solutions.

2 Explore multiple solutions

Once you have identified the problem, you can start exploring different solutions and possibilities. Don't limit yourself to one idea or approach. Try to generate as many alternatives as you can, even if they seem unrealistic or impractical. You can use techniques such as sketching, prototyping, mind mapping, or SCAMPER to stimulate your creativity and divergent thinking. The more you explore, the more you can discover new opportunities and perspectives.

3 Collaborate and communicate

Commercial design is not a solo activity. You need to collaborate and communicate with your clients, colleagues, and stakeholders throughout the design process. Collaboration and communication can help you gain feedback, insights, and support for your design ideas and solutions. You can use tools such as online platforms, video conferencing, or chat applications to facilitate collaboration and communication. You can also use methods such as co-design, workshops, or presentations to involve and engage your collaborators and communicators.

4 Experiment and iterate

Commercial design is not a linear or predictable process. You need to experiment and iterate your design ideas and solutions to test their feasibility, viability, and desirability. Experimentation and iteration can help you learn from your failures, improve your prototypes, and refine your final products. You can use methods such as testing, evaluation, or feedback to experiment and iterate your design ideas and solutions. You can also use metrics such as performance, usability, or satisfaction to measure and monitor your design outcomes.

5 Learn and grow

Commercial design is not a static or fixed field. You need to learn and grow as a commercial designer to keep up with the changing trends, technologies, and demands of the market. Learning and growing can help you develop your skills, knowledge, and confidence as a commercial designer. You can use resources such as books, courses, podcasts, or blogs to learn and grow as a commercial designer. You can also use opportunities such as mentoring, networking, or awards to showcase and advance your commercial design career.