Design Tools

What are design tools?

Design tools are software or platforms used by designers to create, edit, and develop visual designs and prototypes.

Flow Charts

Flow charts are graphical representations of a process, illustrating the sequence of steps and decisions involved in that process, often used in design and analysis.

Components of a Flow chart

• start point

• end point

• decisions

• processes

• connecting lines

• direction arrows

Advantages & Disadvantages of a Flow chart

Advantages:

• can be useful for a simple project with a small number of tasks and decisions

• do not need any specialist project planning knowledge to understand

Disadvantages:

• do not show time scales

• tasks are shown sequentially so cannot show concurrent tasks.

Mind Maps

Mind maps are visual diagrams that represent ideas, concepts, or tasks branching out from a central theme, often used for brainstorming and organizing thoughts.

Types of Mind Maps

•library

•tunnel timeline

•presentation

Components of Mind Maps

• nodes

• sub-nodes

• branches/connecting lines

• key words

• colours

• images

Advantages & Disadvantages of Mind Maps

Advantages:

• easy to add ideas/tasks at any time

• can help the focus of the tasks and links between them

• shows dependent tasks

Disadvantages:

• no time schedule

• can be difficult for others to understand

• does not show concurrent tasks

Visualization Diagrams

Visualization diagrams are graphical representations that illustrate data, concepts, or processes, making complex information easier to understand and analyze.

Wireframes

Wireframes are basic visual guides that represent the skeletal framework of a website or application, outlining the layout and functionality without detailed design elements.