Addressing Design Challenges: A Deep Dive into Problem-Solving through Design

Throughout my academic journey, I have explored how design identifies and resolves key issues by applying research-driven, user-centred methodologies. The section explores and uncovers the Design Problem. 

Understanding the Design Problem Process

The design process begins by identifying a problem, researching its impact, and exploring innovative solutions. A well-structured design problem requires a deep understanding of the target audience and context. Designers must combine analytical and creative thinking to develop functional, meaningful solutions highlighted by (Lawson, 2006).

The design problem uses a structured approach, which includes research, ideation, prototyping and testing, ensuring that solutions are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical. Design thinking bridges the gap between creativity with real-world challenges to produce impactful results (Buchanan, 1992). I find this very important because this is what design is all about. It is meant to solve problems.  

However, before solving a problem is important to understand the problem. This is when research comes in as it is an essential tool to understand the problem. Research is essential for solving design problems and providing insight into stakeholders, environmental influences, and potential solutions. Cross (2011) explains that designing is a process of asking questions and testing ideas out repeatedly. If there is no solid research behind them, solutions risk being ineffective. 

For instance, my design exploration analyzed urban accessibility challenges through user research, case studies, and applying urban design principles, it aligns with Norman’s (2013) focus on user-centred design; however, in this particular design example, I was required to create my own brief by writing my own design problem. This would give me the basis for understanding "What a design problem is". This was the design problem of fashion. The design problem will explore using the design thinking approach.

The Design Thinking Approach

Design thinking encourages new ideas by focusing on understanding people's needs, generating creative solutions, and experimenting with them (Brown, 2009).

This approach involves:

Define: Clearly articulating the problem

The fashion industry is a significant global sector valued at $1.7 trillion, employing over 300 million people worldwide. Fast fashion retailers are driving industry growth by speeding up production cycles and offering trendy designs at affordable prices. However, fast fashion also leads to substantial waste, environmental harm, and concerns regarding underpaid and unsafe working conditions for factory workers (McKinsey, 2023).

Contextualize: Understand the Problem

The problem with the global fashion industry is that it generates excessive waste, with 85% of textiles ending up in landfills, polluting waterways with toxic dyes and contributing 10% of global carbon emissions. Behind the scenes, workers in developing nations often face unsafe conditions and unfair wages to meet the relentless demand for cheap clothing.

Ideate: Brainstorming creative solutions

The solution to the problem would be to apply upcycling, which reduces energy use by 70% compared to new production, conserves water and oil, and keeps waste out of landfills. For example, durable handbags made from merged plastic bags showcase how "trash" can become fashionable accessories while slashing the carbon footprint of traditional manufacturing (Stallard, 2022).

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Prototype: Developing models for testing

The design process began with sketching ideas on how to transform upcycled materials into functional and fashionable handbags. These early sketches planned out the bag's shape, look, and practical elements while taking into account the special qualities of reused materials.

These are concept sketches of handbags that represent my initial explorations for transforming upcycled materials into functional fashion handbags.

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Test: Refining solutions based on feedback

Prototypes must undergo quality checks for durability, user feedback on comfort and style. It was found that 60% of shoppers now prefer brands that offer products made from recycled materials product (“From Waste to Wealth: Upcycling in the Handbag Industry”).

Iterative: This iterative framework ensures solutions are innovative, practical, and sustainable.

The testing phase is just the beginning, as the real innovation occurs when we set up a cycle of improvements. By using an approach where designs are constantly revisited and refined, we build a system for continuous product development that improves how it looks and works over time.

Reflection

Design plays a role transformative role in addressing real-world challenges. By combining research, focusing on users' needs, and being creative, designers come up with solutions that make things more accessible, sustainable, and easy to use. I aim to create designs that incorporate these elements.

Redesigning Healthcare in South Africa: Community Health and Wellness Centre

The Community Health and Wellness Centre is a design that addresses South Africa’s healthcare imbalance, where 80% of resources are allocated to acute medical treatment, leaving only 20% for preventive care (South African Health Review, 2023). This lack of focus on prevention contributes to the rise of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, responsible for 43% of deaths nationwide.

The research investigation led to the proposal of the CHWC (Community Health and Wellness Centre), which would be located in Silverton Pretoria, as an innovative solution to bridge the gap between treatment and prevention. By integrating preventive wellness-focused services with traditional medical care, the project aims to enhance accessibility, sustainability promote early intervention, and improve overall community health.

The investigation found that the current healthcare facilities, such as Clinics in South Africa, neglected early essential services such as screenings, nutritional counselling, and fitness programs being implemented in the beginning, leading to late-stage diagnoses that strain the healthcare systems and reduce the quality of life for individuals seeking medical attention. The study found that 70% of South Africans relied on traditional healers and unconventional methods (Moeti et al., 2023), and low-income communities struggled to afford or access modern wellness services. Additionally, overcrowded facilities and poorly designed layouts, such as those observed in Tembisa Hospital, create confusion and delays in care.

The proposed Wellness Centre would address these challenges through a holistic design as it mainly focused on preventive care programmes that include free health screenings, fitness classes, nutrition counselling, and inclusivity.

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The Community Health and Wellness Centre Gym

The image is the final rendering of the gym and showcases my design of the gym. The Centre's gym was designed to be both practical and pleasant, creating a refreshing atmosphere. The large open space allows easy movement for users. Indoor plants, geometric ceiling lights, natural colours, and wooden finishes make the area peaceful and relaxing.

Sustainable features such as natural light, biophilic elements (e.g., green walls and wood finishes), and energy-efficient systems create a calming and eco-friendly environment. The building offered multipurpose rooms to provide services such as yoga and health workshops. A sliding-scale fee was initiated to ensure affordability for low-income users.

This is the rendering and showcases my design of the consultation rooms in the Centre, which has a clean, calm finish. The rooms are decorated with soft colours, natural wood touches, and modern furniture to help doctors and patients easily utilize the space.

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This model of the Community Health and Wellness Centre design was influenced by evidence and community needs. Surveys that were provided revealed that 85.7% of respondents prioritize preventive care, with a strong demand for fitness programs (57.1%) and health education (57.1%). Overall, the project aimed to move away from cold, clinical environments and instead create a community-driven, wellness-focused space. The design merged prevention, treatment and cultural respect, which set a standard for healthcare in South Africa. 

Exploring Brand Identity and Its Role in Shaping Society Through Design

As part of being a designer, it is important to understand and explore brand identity and the role it plays within both businesses and society. Through design, brands shape perceptions and perspectives, build trust, and inspire change. By understanding the depth of brand identity allows designers to craft meaningful and influential ideas that resonate with people beyond more than just products and services. For this particular section, I was required to write an essay that explores brand identity.

Understanding Brand Identity

Brand identity is a powerful tool that extends beyond logos and colour palettes. It plays a significant role in influencing consumer behaviours as well as contributing to societal change. Businesses and corporations use design elements to create meaning, establish trust and communicate values to the public. They focus on creating visuals and verbal and experiential elements that contribute to the brand and differentiate businesses from their competitors. Through the use of logos, the size of the fonts and colours convey a message that overall produces a certain type of personality of the brand. To understand Brand Identity, we need to remember that unlike the brand image, which reflects how a brand is perceived, Brand identity is strategically crafted to shape perceptions (Aaker, 1996).  The success of a brand's identity will depend on consistency across various touchpoints, ensuring that it resonates with its audiences (Kapferer, 2008).

The Societal Impact of Brand Identity Through Design

Nike and Apple are great examples of brand identities that have focused not just on aesthetics but have created the power to influence culture, drive social movements, and reinforce values. They have built identities that go beyond their products, created communities, and shaped lifestyles. Nike's Just Do It campaign is a representation that perseverance and inclusivity aligning with broader societal values empower individuals through sports (Keller, 2013). In South Africa, brands have played a crucial role in shaping national identity and cultural pride. South African Airways is a good example of rebranding as the company aimed to reflect unity and diversity by reinforcing national identity through design elements inspired by Indigenous art (Gavin, 2018). 

The use of design elements incorporated by businesses highlights the role of design in brand identity development, as design is a fundamental tool in building a strong brand identity. A well-designed brand ensures that the experience for consumers is seamless and creates loyalty and emotional connection. Topography, colour, psychology, and spatial design are elements that contribute to how a brand is perceived and remembered (Wheeler, 2017). For example, the minimalist design trend in technology is a trend that is growing, and brands such as Apple have done well in creating a clean interface and packaging that convey sophistication as well as give a premium identity.

Companies and organizations are now also being aware of the environment and are integrating sustainability into their branding. Companies such as Patagonia leverage design to communicate their commitment to environmental responsibility. This has influenced consumer behaviour and has set industry standards for ethical practices (Brown, 2020).

Conclusion

Through my exploration of brand identity, I have gained a deeper understanding of its profound impact on both businesses and society. Design plays a crucial role in shaping brand perception, building trust, and inspiring change. A well-crafted brand identity goes beyond products and services. It creates meaningful and influential narratives that resonate with people. As I continue my studies in design, I aim to further explore how branding can be used to address societal challenges, create inclusive and purpose-driven spaces, and contribute to the well-being of communities.