Design Thinking

I'm a designer, an artist, an enthusiastic collaborator and problem solver. . .
My approach to graphic design (as with so many things) is to treat the client's challenge as an opportunity to solve a problem. My approach to taking on these opportunities is what some call "Design Thinking" - a problem-solving methodology that helps one develop solutions to even the most complex problem.
In a nutshell, these are the tactics for applying that strategy:

1. Define the problem:
   For graphic design this means getting a clear concept of the message and who it's intended to reach, this often involves gathering information from many sources and understanding the stakeholders.

   
   
   

2. Research the message:
   This may involve looking at the competition, at history, etymology, regional and cultural differences, etc.
   The better we understand the message and the audience, the better we can deliver it.
   
   

3. Ideation:
   Brainstorm, dream, generate ideas that might be possible solutions.
   At this stage, no idea is too silly, too weird, or impossible to execute.
   
   

4. Prototype:
   Create mockups, sketches, whatever will convey the idea completely enough for all stakeholders to understand what a completed solution might look like.
   
   

5. Test:
   Test the best ideas with the stakeholders.
   Gather feedback and refine, repeating at least steps 4 and 5 as many times as required to find the best solution(s).
   
   

6. Execution:
   Once we’ve identified the best solution(s), we implement and put the product of our efforts into production/publication.
   Whenever possible, we should monitor, re-examine, and adjust our solution as necessary.

   
   

It is not unusual for a client to find me when they are somewhere in the middle of this process, having already defined the problem or determined the solution (or something like it) that they wish to pursue. Wherever you are in the process, we typically go from that point forward.
I've found this approach to be very effective in creating positive outcomes and a final product you are happy with.