What is Iterative Design?
If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
We’ve all heard the phrase uttered by teachers, parents, and even coworkers. But did you know that this wisdom can be applied to design? The name of the game is iteration, and it is practiced by even the elite of elite designers. What does iterative design mean, though? Well, to put it simply, it is the process of developing a prototype, testing that prototype, and then making alterations where needed. Sometimes, a product will go through multiple tests before the final version. What is left at the end, however, is a well-designed, fully functional result.
History of Iterative Design
Iterative design has existed in engineering for decades. There is a process said to have been established in the 1960s, called “Plan-Do-Check-Act.” It goes as follows:
Plan: Recognize opportunity and plan change.
Do: Test the change and carry out in a smaller study
Check: Review test, analyze results, and identify the outcomes
Act: Act based on analysis, and redo steps if needed
Iterative Design Process
For many years, engineers, industrial designers, and product designers have implemented this 7-step iterative design process:
Define – Define the problem. This is a crucial step to ensure that your product properly solves said problem.
Ask – Ask the necessary questions to guide the project. For example: What are the project goals? Who is the end user? What resources are needed to successfully develop the product?
Imagine – Brainstorm the project specifications and conduct user research if needed
Plan – Plan out the design and what resources and components you will need to create
Prototype – Develop a prototype that is like the final product, but has room for error and alteration
Test – Test the prototype and gain insight from real consumers and user experience
Improve – Use all the above information and data to improve and finalize the design
The alternative to this traditional design process is the Waterfall method. This method involves sequential steps, and there is no going back to make adjustments. This is not a very efficient method for design, and it makes it difficult to diagnose issues and correct before a product is in the hands of consumers. Also, this method typically results in more costs down the line, as well as recalls. An additional benefit to the iterative design approach over the Waterfall approach is that it's more collaborative. Team members, clients, customers, and key stakeholders can provide input to improve the product. Most software was developed using the Waterfall method, and as many of us know, software often needs maintenance. There is some testing in this approach—called the beta phase—but this is usually done after implementation.
Why Iterative Design is Important
Iterative design is important and beneficial for a few reasons. First, it allows for rapid prototyping; which means that designers can test more quickly and efficiently. Second, it enables designers to decide which design techniques work best, and which design techniques are a flop. And finally, iterative design leads to the creation of products that not only have fewer bugs and issues, but are of higher quality and value.
Iterative design is much more cost-effective than other design methods, and it encourages companies to make better products. For this reason alone, it is integral to the image and success of a company—as well as the product lifecycle. If your product is not well-tested and designed, consumers will be less likely to purchase and re-purchase.
Iterative Design at Work
Here at Loomia, we implement iterative design into every project we do. Whether it’s a multi-function demonstrator, or a large-scale prototype for a client; we are no stranger to troubleshooting and rebooting. And, we are not alone in this club, either. Here are some familiar examples of design iteration:
Apple, Microsoft, and similar companies often update their products and software to improve their performance and aesthetics. For example, a thinner and lighter phone for better ease of use.
Mattress companies add new features to improve the comfortability and functionality of their product.
Architecture firms create blueprints, review with clients, and make alterations in the design according to size, cost, and other factors.
Urban designers add new features to current public spaces to appeal to the needs and wants of residents, based on public forum. For example, people may want more facilities for children, so a playground is added to a local park.
Suffice to say, iterative design is king, and should be the industry standard practice for product development. And, we urge all firms, schools, and independent makers to deploy these strategies when designing impactful products!
Check out these other design and prototyping related reads:
Electronic Textiles: An Ingredient for Impactful Innovation
Sustainable Materials for Design
Emerging Technologies for Research and Development
A Buyer’s Guide to Prototyping at Home
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