Capturing the design process: documentation, reflection, and reuse

Abstract: In a design agency, where time is of essence, it is interesting to see how documentation and reflection, of the design process can be captured by a digital tool with the aim to reuse design. In this thesis, such a tool was deployed at the design agency Apegroup. The main question this study investigates, is the challenge and benefit of a tool that enhances documentation, reflection, and reusability of a design process. The tool was primary inspired by the Computer Supported Cooperative Work and Documenting Design Process area. Interviews, ideation, prototyping, coding, testing and evaluation is some of the activities that were conducted. The results revealed that different design roles values different elements during the design process, which makes it challenging to develop a tool that has value for all. Documentation of activities in the tool was mainly beneficial for the role design director and the value of gathering all internal information about the design process. Reflection of activities in the tool made some of the designers reflect more, but it was challenging to engage all designers. Working with reusability was challenging due to the tool’s need of being used continuously. In the design agency context, the most challenging aspect was time, and competing with the designers’ perceived benefit.