The Cyclic Design Process

The cyclic design process is a method of changes, developments and solutions. Everything which is produced consists of this design process; an initial idea is always evolved into something better. It goes through stages of development, refinement, evaluating, testing and justifications etc. The process is repeated several times, with questionings like, how can it look better? how will it look like this? what if I do change this? all developing from a first notation or a quick small sketch.

The process can be done thought sketches, brainstorms, evaluating and even prototyping, a style in which everyone can do depending on preference. Also showing that this process is done by several occupations including; designers on their designs, musicians for their music/lyrics, scientists on their creations etc.

 This cycle is carried out on things from everyday buildings and structures to advertisements, foods, toothbrushes and light bulbs. A perfect example of this cyclic design process would be of the famous Thomas Edison who designed over 10,000 prototypes of the light bulb, until he was satisfied and knew it worked. A way to think of it is not the effort which you put in and it not working but the acknowledgement of knowing you tried it and it wasn’t as good as it could be! Overall creating something improved and to be adored by several.

Not only does the cyclic design process evolve over the period one project/ brief but also happens over time; for example the development of architecture, structures, of technology, logos etc.

This example of the apple logo shows the use of the cyclic design process, with the logo evolving and developing from its initial state over time. Changing from Apples original logo; with Isaac Newton under an apple tree, to a rainbow ‘bitten apple’ silhouette concept and now to a simple, modern monochrome logo of the ‘bitten apple’ silhouette. Changing to adapt to the society and modern developments within its field and to its audience.