This mind map helps me to figure out all peripherals of a product idea. I use it as a way to stay focused. During the design process, it is easy to lose focus when you are tempted to stray off topic. In my eyes, design is seperated Into four categories: experience, emotions, functions and aesthetic.
The 4 corners of design theory
Experience:
How will this product be used in a specific context? Questions to ask: Who, what, where, when and most importantly, WHY are we solving this problem?
Emotions:
How can this product make someone feel? Emotional design is crucial in capturing the user’s interest beyond the functional and aesthetic traits. It dives deep into their emotional needs. This will help grab the user’s decision to buy the product.
Functions:
List the technical traits this product will have and how it will work. What features will the product provide and what materials & mechanical options do we have to choose from to execute those features?
Aesthetic:
How will this product look? Consider the textures, finishes, colors, trending styles that will help this product become aesthetically desirable.
Below is an example of this mind map filled out for one of my projects at Focus PDM (sorry for the mismatched colors!). I often come back to it later and add to it when new ideas come to mind
