The words “creativity” and “problem solving” are not typically found in the same context...
The words “creativity” and “problem solving” are not typically found in the same context, let alone right next to each other. Here at Kleurvision, as we are deep in the trenches of the design world on a daily basis, we know that creativity and problem solving have a lot in common, and it is in their overlap that the best brand identities, logos, website solutions and critical thinking can be found.
Creative problem solving in graphic design happens daily. It is the science of taking a clear look at what a business wants to convey, to whom and how it wants to convey it and creatively aligning all these elements into one beautifully structured solution – this could be a crisp, multi-dimensional brand identity that works on every level, an advertising package to convey strong messaging and tell a story, a structural design for tradeshow booths or signage, a virtual event/conference production to accommodate a growing userbase geography, or a user-friendly eCommerce website that puts customers in front of product and delivers a checkout process that is a comfortable and easy experience. Our designers here at KV get given a problem, and critically look at the problem from creative angles, to come to the end solution.
So you may ask, what role do designers play in creating e-learning and other digital content? Hint: it’s not just making pretty pictures. Graphic designers need problem solving skills to add value to projects. Graphic designers have diverse responsibilities, creating beautiful things for both print and digital. In one instant, a graphic designer can be found working on logos and brand identity, and then the next day, could be creating solutions for physical promotional materials, vending machines, immersive conference stage graphics and onwards.
Creativity is generally associated with someone artsy waiting for some flash of inspiration to magically strike… and when people envision the words “problem solving”, they think of a more uptight individual who methodically takes the lead on team assignments, standing in front of a chalkboard, solving equations. Both of these are incorrect, as these stereotypes don’t depict anything close to the designers we know and love.
Without a doubt, problem solving is a key part in creating design outcomes that will appease all stakeholders in a project – clients, team members, and the audience that your customers speak to. If you’re interested in an aesthetically pleasing product with no regard for other measures of success, then you might forgo problem-solving in your design practice. But we feel strongly that our job is to contribute to a product that creates measurable results through a successful user experience (UX) that is aligned to the goals and objectives of our clients.
To achieve this, we work as a team with open minds, and carry a foundation of openness, transparency, curiosity and collaboration. In the back of our designers’ minds, they are always considering the end-user, as ultimately, solving problems through design is about controlling the design process through continual revision and experimentation, and making this process open and collaborative.
We love to talk shop. Want to talk about your next design or web project? Have a live or virtual event coming up? Let our amazing team of problem solvers and creative thinkers help you! www.kleurvision.com
