A flow plan identifies the distinct faces that can be portrayed in a design process. These flow plans usually begin with an idea or concept and follow a loose journey to achieve a finalised end goal.

• Project ideas normally start low tech, low detail pencil drawings, sketches and various sticky note arrangements to form a draft flowchart or brainstorming map. This helps develop a low level consensus on the problem and what you’re trying to achieve.
• Diagramming tools can help build that draft flow chart into a visual design process.
• Prototypes should be utilised in order to showcase a context for your invention.
• Build scenarios and personas of individuals who will potentially use the device. Surveys, focus groups and ethnography can be used to identify interest.
• Precedent study, studying existing products to find a hole in the market or lack of substance somewhere that can be fulfilled with your new invention.

Context includes the context for use and the context of use.

Once the designer understands the context for an individuals behaviour, they are able to design a product more suitable for the situation.

What is the situation?

What’s the setting or environment in which the interface or the device will be used?

• Is it public or private?
• Is it conductive?

WHO WILL BE USING THE DEVICE OR INTERFACE?

• Will it be used by one person, or multiple people?
• How long will the interface be used?
• Will the person be able to focus on their task, or will they be interrupted while using it?

DOES THE EXPERIENCE NEED TO BE EXTREMELY SIMPLE?

• How much complexity can be accepted?

WHAT ARE THE PERSON’S NEEDS AND GOALS?

• What are they trying to accomplish or complete?

During the lecture pod, I believe the process of how a concept becomes a reality is the most important point. The flow diagram displaying how basic drawings become a working prototype displays it perfectly.