It’s a tough question to answer.

But let’s try to answer it anyway—visually! Check out Dubberly Design Office’s new concept map, A Model of the Creative Process:

Here’s DDO’s brief description of the concept map and poster:

The creative process is not just iterative; it’s also recursive. It plays out “in the large” and “in the small” ––in defining the broadest goals and concepts and refining the smallest details. It branches like a tree, and each choice has ramifications, which may not be known in advance. Recursion also suggests a procedure that “calls” or includes itself. Many engineers define the design process as a recursive function: discover > define > design > develop > deploy

For a closer look, head on over to the site and download the PDF.

Designers and collaborators on the project include:

  • Hugh Dubberly
  • Jack Chung
  • Shelley Evenson
  • Paul Pangaro

Note: I also work at DDO!

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3 Comments

  • Roylaty Free Photos

    gravatarMay 9, 2009
    12:45 pm

    It has been my experience that the creative process is largely a matter of inspiration. It involves seizing a lucid moment and running with it.

  • harry

    gravatarAug 19, 2009
    12:46 pm

    Hi, it was an awesome experience to view all the creative process.

    Harry

  • rembrandt

    gravatarOct 19, 2009
    10:11 am

    The creative process for me starts with lots of research followed by then coming up with several ways of seeing the same thing – followed by the difficult task of selecting which concept works best and then having fun makiing it sing. There’s no divine inspiration for me… mostly hard work and smart thinking.

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