# Choose, Iterate, Design, Deliver Wed, 12 Feb 25 ## 1. **Introduction & Context** - **Session Purpose** - This session kicks off the “Design Studio” assignment, where participants will create a one-page website (landing page) based on briefs. - Alumni are also present; they join breakouts and share experiences. - Emphasis on _applying_ skills learned so far, rather than just absorbing more theory. - **Mindset Shift** - We are nearing the end of Month 1 in a cohort environment. It’s time to turn theoretical knowledge into tangible outputs. - “Use it or lose it” principle: continuous practice and iteration helps in truly internalizing new design skills. **Actionable**: - Remember this is about learning by _doing_. Don’t wait to start; build momentum early by jumping into a hands-on approach. ## 2. **Pottery Story (Quantity vs. Quality)** - **Story Summary** - A pottery class is split into two groups: - Group A: Graded on the _number_ of pots they create. - Group B: Graded on _one_ “perfect” pot (focusing on theory and getting it absolutely right). - At the end of the semester, the group producing _more_ pots (Group A) actually created _better_ quality work as well. - **Key Takeaways** - Iteration breeds mastery: repeated practice leads to refined skills and better outcomes. - Overemphasis on perfect planning can stifle practical growth and the ability to spot real-world nuances. **Actionable**: - Approach design challenges iteratively. Produce “draft” versions quickly, learn from mistakes, and refine. - Don’t fear imperfect first attempts—quantity can accelerate quality in the long run. ## 3. **Design Studio Assignment Overview** - **What It Is** - You will pick from a set of curated “briefs”—real early-stage startups (mostly from Y Combinator) or wildcard options. - The goal is to create a **one-page** website (landing page) showcasing your best design effort, applying newly learned skills. - **Why This Matters** - It simulates a real client scenario. Many of these startups have basic (often quick, MVP-level) websites. - The challenge: redesign or create something that aligns better with the startup’s mission, improves user engagement, or clarifies the offering. - **Format and Deliverables** - **One-pager** is the default scope. Multiple pages are optional but must be carefully scoped if you choose to go beyond. - Submission deadlines are set for about 2–3 weeks out, giving you weekends and some weekdays to work on it. - Final submission in Figma (the recommended tool). You can optionally explore AI or no-code tools (Framer, Wix Studio, etc.), but at least a Figma design is expected. **Actionable**: 1. **Choose a Brief** – Commit early to maximize time for research and iteration. 2. **Define the Purpose** – Clarify the website’s main goal (e.g., “Book a call,” “Join a waitlist,” “Sign up”), and design around that. 3. **Plan Your Timeline** – Utilize weekends, plan milestones (research, wireframes, mid-fidelity, hi-fidelity, final testing). ## 4. **Choosing a Brief** - **Categories & Examples** - **Futuristic Tech**: Underwater data centers, nuclear-missile defense, electric cargo ships, robot-based road paving. - **Enterprise/SaaS**: Insurance platforms, dev tools, B2B solutions. - **AI-Focused**: Generative AI tools, AI dating coach, AI agents, etc. - **Wildcard**: Design studio site, personal project, or a different real business (friend’s dance studio, e-commerce idea, etc.)—but keep it a “simulator” rather than a live client, so that your timeline stays in your control. - **Decision Strategies** - **Interest & Relevance**: Pick a domain you’re excited about; motivation stays higher. - **Opportunity for Improvement**: Look at each existing site and gauge how much you can improve. - **Challenge Factor**: Some briefs are simpler, others more complex or “scary.” Choose one that lets you stretch your abilities but is still feasible with your timeline. - **Random Selection**: If you’re totally stuck, pick 2–3 top options and flip a coin—anything to move forward rather than stay paralyzed. **Actionable**: - Narrow down to one or two briefs that spark your curiosity. - Evaluate them for potential complexity, personal interest, and feasible scope. - Decide swiftly to avoid mid-project changes that can hamper your timeline. ## 5. **Research & Process** - **Competitor Analysis** - Investigate similar startups in the same category. Look for design patterns, typical layouts, color schemes, and messaging. - Especially relevant for AI or dev tools: see how others present complex, tech-heavy ideas. - **Generating Requirements** - Use ChatGPT or other AI tools to outline a creative brief, gather domain knowledge, or generate content ideas. - Don’t over-rely on AI’s prescriptive suggestions; maintain design autonomy and push your unique perspective. - **Ideation & Wireframing** - Start with rapid wireframes or sketches. Iterate swiftly to validate ideas early rather than aiming for a “perfect” first draft. **Actionable**: 1. **Set Clear Goals** – Know exactly what the website should accomplish (e.g., capturing leads, showcasing product, building credibility). 2. **Leverage AI Tools** – For domain research, competitor scanning, or quick copy drafts—but refine them to ensure authenticity and clarity. 3. **Maintain Iterative Mindset** – Share early wireframes for feedback; refine based on critique or user-testing insights (even if informal). ## 6. **Tools & Execution** - **Primary Design Tool**: Figma is strongly recommended to ensure consistent design flow and mentor feedback. - **Optional Extras**: - **Framer**, **Wix Studio**, or other no-code builders if you want to see a live prototype. - AI-based website generators for quick tries, but always refine or redesign to match your brand vision. - **Scope vs. Time** - Websites can cost from “$10 to $100k+”—meaning it can be super quick or extremely in-depth. Decide how deep you want to go based on the time you have and the quality you aim for. **Actionable**: - Prioritize finishing a robust, well-thought-out **Figma design** first. - If time and interest permit, create a live prototype or custom interactions. - Don’t let experimentation with new tools derail finishing the core requirement. ## 7. **Timeline & Project Management** - **Overall Deadlines** - You have approximately 2–3 weeks (which includes 2–3 weekends) before final submission and mentor feedback. - Keep track of official submission dates posted by your program/cohort. - **Milestones** 1. **Brief Selection & Research** (Day 1–3) 2. **Wireframing & Content Strategy** (Week 1) 3. **Mid-Fidelity & Visual Direction** (Week 2) 4. **Final High-Fidelity & Prototype** (End of Week 2 / Early Week 3) 5. **Review & Mentor Feedback** (Week 3) 6. **Final Submission** (By end of Week 3) **Actionable**: - Lay out your own personal schedule to ensure consistent progress. - Attend feedback sessions early—don’t wait until the end for first feedback. - Plan for potential rework or scope tweaks based on critiques. ## 8. **Q&A Highlights / Common Concerns** 1. **Multiple Pages vs. One Pager** - Minimum requirement: _one page_ (landing page). - If adding pages, ensure the main page is top-notch; extra pages shouldn’t compromise quality. 2. **Dark Mode vs. Light Mode** - Both are valid, but if short on time, pick one solid approach rather than diluting efforts. 3. **Real Client vs. Simulator** - Advised to keep it a simulator (your own decisions, assumptions) to align with the cohort timeline and feedback cycles. - Working with a real client can be more complex and time-consuming. 4. **Wildcard Projects** - If you have a strong passion project (e.g., a friend’s dance studio, a personal brand site), you can adapt it. - Maintain the same structure (brief, goals, scope, timeline). **Actionable**: - Validate your approach (one or multiple pages, dark/light mode) based on brand identity, user needs, and time constraints. - For real clients, confirm they can match your schedule for feedback; otherwise, treat it as a fictional scenario. ## 9. **Breakout Room & Peer Discussions** - **Peer Strategy Sharing** - Many participants discussed how they filter briefs (by interest, scope, or random picking). - Alumni insights emphasize planning your design process (mood boards, user research, prototypes) rather than jumping straight into hi-fidelity visuals. - **Key Advice** - “Commit to a brief early.” Indecision delays actual design work. - “Aim to solve a real problem.” Don’t just redesign for aesthetics—improve user flow, clarity, or persuasion. **Actionable**: - Use breakouts or peer chats to brainstorm, validate your direction, and share progress. - Give and request feedback early—helps refine ideas before you invest in final design details. ## 10. **Next Steps / Final Remarks** - **Focus**: Lock in your brief choice, begin research, and start low-fidelity explorations. - **Upcoming Sessions**: - Future “simulator” sessions will demonstrate how to integrate AI tools, do deeper competitor research, refine visuals, etc. - Mentor/feedback sessions are scheduled—utilize them. - **Overarching Goal**: - Create **the best website you have ever designed**—the more iterative loops you have, the better the outcome. - Strive to show growth in concept development, visual design, and user-centered thinking. **Actionable**: 1. **Decide Today/Tomorrow** – Pick your brief. 2. **Start with Basic Research** – Investigate domain, audience, brand strategy. 3. **Sketch & Wireframe** – Quick iterations before polishing. 4. **Seek Feedback** – Don’t finalize alone; get peer/mentor checks. 5. **Refine and Submit** – Aim for a cohesive, well-documented final design. --- ### Quick Reference Checklist 1. **Select Your Brief** - Done by: ___ 2. **Perform Competitor Research** - Key Findings: ___ 3. **Draft Moodboard & Style Direction** - Colors, Typography, Imagery: ___ 4. **Wireframes** - Low-fidelity screens done by: ___ 5. **High-Fidelity Mockups** - Incorporate brand style, final content, micro-interactions. 6. **Review & Iterate** - Mentor/peer feedback rounds. 7. **Final Submission** - Polished Figma file, optional prototypes. --- **Remember**: The essence of this entire session is _doing_ rather than overthinking. Harness the “Group A Pottery Mindset”—_create many iterations_ to achieve quality. Good luck designing your best one-page website!