Iterating

iterate

verb

it·​er·​ate ˈi-tə-ˌrāt 

iterated; iterating

: to say or do again or again and again 

The iterative process is an approach to continuously improving a product, concept, or design. Designers create a prototype, test it, refine it, and repeat the cycle with the goal of getting closer to the intended solution (“All about the Iterative Design Process | Smartsheet”). Testing provides valuable data to use in evaluation. It informs whether the design functions as a solution. Testing helps to understand what is working well. It sheds light on areas that need improvement.  

For all creators, the design process takes the same basic form. Fundamentally, it is about the iterative nature of creation and evaluation.  

Creating

In creative fields, the designer creates. A mechanical engineer may create an air-conditioning system. A playwright may create an idea for a theatrical set design. The instructional designer might create a virtual learning environment. In every situation, the act of creating is a fundamental part of the design process.

Evaluating

In creative fields, the designer evaluates the effectiveness of their creation as a solution, and to identify areas for improvement. The air-conditioning system, for example, may remove heat and humidity from a enclosed space, but it also causes undesirable energy load. The playwright’s set design may fit the concept for the theatrical production, but is out of budget. The virtual learning environment may provide an engaging learning experience, but be inaccessible to those with disabilities. Without a critical evaluation of the prototype, challenges are ignored and potential areas of improvement are missed. The design work fails to make progress as expected.

Iterating

To advance toward the intended solution, designers return to creating with a focus on improving their design and following up with evaluating. This complementary interaction between creation and evaluation is a fundamental aspect of creative design. The iterative process continues until the solution is sufficient or until a decision is made to suspend testing. 

Iteration is integral to design success. Success requires testing and iterative improvement. Since design is for the benefit of others, honest and critical feedback is essential. 

References

Eby, K. (2019, January 2). All about the iterative design process. Smartsheet. https://www.smartsheet.com/iterative-process-guide#:~:text=The%20iterative%20process%20is%20an,getting%20closer%20to%20the%20solution.