As almost everything is found on the web today, it gets tougher for most businesses to come up with a unique idea for product design. Sometimes, what we consider innovative may not be a big hit for others. So, to come up with a unique product idea, research development is substantial. By now, you’re probably looking for the right tool to properly order every process. But don’t worry, we got your back! Our Ready-Made Design Flow Chart Templates can be instantly downloaded and edited using MS Word, with files available in A4 and US Letter sizes. So, what are you waiting for? Make the design process easier for the team by downloading our templates now!
How to Create a Design Flowchart in Word
For businesses, increasing sales is a primary goal. As the competition for products and services in the industry is rising, most of these businesses follow extensive research developments to improve their gain. This is where they develop new product designs that are released in the market as unique offerings. But depending on the type of industry and organization, the design process flows differently.
Sometimes, we assume how great the product base on its looks. But recently, different product design failures serve as learning to every company. In reality, project designs face various complications most of the time. With its complexity, a visual representation is necessary to be used. A design flowchart is important in providing clarity that improves communication and efficiency within the product team.
To have a comprehensive and reliable process to follow, you can look at the following steps to know how you can create a useful design flowchart in Microsoft Word.
1. Do a Research
Product research extensively reaches a wide scope. Start gathering information by doing user interviews, online surveys, competition research, and market research. Your inquiries affect the whole design process, so avoid jumping off to conclusions in an instant.
2. Create a Sample Prototype
After acquiring results from your research, your next step is to develop a prototype. You’ll probably be going to have a hard time structuring your flowchart without a series of tests beforehand. So, the first step is to get things done in a paper. Develop a concept sketch or model. Jot down the list of results in a document, so it will be easier to plot them in the chart later on.
3. Map It Out
Once you have all the materials for a complete and simple chart, you can start developing a structure. Open your Microsoft Word, and click on a new document. Now, begin adding shapes depending on how many processes or steps you need to incorporate. To properly sequence each design process, use a connector connecting one shape to the other. In each shape, add text according to its proper order. It’s good to plot them starting from the topmost part of the sheet down to the bottom to avoid confusion.
4. Refine Layout Designs
Sometimes, the colors are confusing. Don’t overdo the application of creative designs. So in refining your flowchart design, create a basic chart using only the basic shades of colors to fill in each shape. Make sure to use a darker background color when you use a lighter text or vice versa. For the typeface, use formal lettering. If having any doubt, use Arial and Helvetica instead. Don’t forget to add symbols and cliparts related to product design.
5. Review and Release
It’s important to review your work all the time. Check the information you’ve added. It’s risky in the production to start developing a prototype without acquiring proper research. So, make sure that the process is sequenced accordingly. Once you’re done, in the dropdown menu, click save and print your document. If it’s ready, you can release it to your team already.