Chapter 4 Optimizing project management and design workflows: visual and computational strategies for collaborative design
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Rosana Sanz-Segura
Abstract
Design thinkingdesign thinking is a principal methodology in project managementproject management thanks to its emphasis on collaborative, creative problem-solving. It follows an iterative, user-centered process through the phases of empathy, definition, ideation, prototyping, and testing, within the broader context of human-centered design (HCD) and open innovation (OI). Both industry and academia underscore design thinking as a valuable methodology for boosting innovation outcomes in products and services design.
On the other hand, an increasingly digital and interconnected work environment offers new chances for optimal project managementproject management. This chapter reflects on how digital solutions relying on graphical and computational resources, focus on optimizing design workflows and project management, ultimately enhancing efficiency and communication across design teams.
Numerous studies indicate that combining a methodological framework like design thinkingdesign thinking with a cloud-based ecosystem of tools grounded in the principles of visual thinking and visual management (e.g., Miro, Figma, Trello, Slack, and Notion) can enhance the efficiency and creativity of design processes. Thus, while visual thinkingvisual thinking centers on the cognitive process of structuring and depicting ideas through images, diagrams, and sketches, visual management goes one step further by incorporating structured visual tools into project workflows and decision-making processes.
Our contribution presents a preliminary selection of key topics, a review of academic literature and professional sources, and a reflective and integrated analysis by means of the comparison of digital collaborative tools. Its objective is to help design practitioners and researchers optimize their workflows by integrating visual and computational practices in different phases of the design project, with a view aligned with an OI and HCD approach.
By merging creative methodologies with digital and computational tools, design teams can not only tackle complex challenges but also streamline workflows and enhance collaboration. The analysis of various digital tools – from cloud-based design platforms like FigmaTM and MiroTM to collaborative task managers like TrelloTM, 78SlackTM, and NotionTM – illustrates that while no single tool can address all aspects of the design process, a strategic combination can effectively bridge gaps in communication, documentation, and real-time collaboration.
Abstract
Design thinkingdesign thinking is a principal methodology in project managementproject management thanks to its emphasis on collaborative, creative problem-solving. It follows an iterative, user-centered process through the phases of empathy, definition, ideation, prototyping, and testing, within the broader context of human-centered design (HCD) and open innovation (OI). Both industry and academia underscore design thinking as a valuable methodology for boosting innovation outcomes in products and services design.
On the other hand, an increasingly digital and interconnected work environment offers new chances for optimal project managementproject management. This chapter reflects on how digital solutions relying on graphical and computational resources, focus on optimizing design workflows and project management, ultimately enhancing efficiency and communication across design teams.
Numerous studies indicate that combining a methodological framework like design thinkingdesign thinking with a cloud-based ecosystem of tools grounded in the principles of visual thinking and visual management (e.g., Miro, Figma, Trello, Slack, and Notion) can enhance the efficiency and creativity of design processes. Thus, while visual thinkingvisual thinking centers on the cognitive process of structuring and depicting ideas through images, diagrams, and sketches, visual management goes one step further by incorporating structured visual tools into project workflows and decision-making processes.
Our contribution presents a preliminary selection of key topics, a review of academic literature and professional sources, and a reflective and integrated analysis by means of the comparison of digital collaborative tools. Its objective is to help design practitioners and researchers optimize their workflows by integrating visual and computational practices in different phases of the design project, with a view aligned with an OI and HCD approach.
By merging creative methodologies with digital and computational tools, design teams can not only tackle complex challenges but also streamline workflows and enhance collaboration. The analysis of various digital tools – from cloud-based design platforms like FigmaTM and MiroTM to collaborative task managers like TrelloTM, 78SlackTM, and NotionTM – illustrates that while no single tool can address all aspects of the design process, a strategic combination can effectively bridge gaps in communication, documentation, and real-time collaboration.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Frontmatter I
- Preface V
- Contents VII
- List of contributing authors IX
- About the editors XIII
- Chapter 1 Topology optimization of prosthetic limb from advanced polymeric materials utilizing finite element method 1
- Chapter 2 Diffusion models in product design: optimizing form toward digital prototyping 21
- Chapter 3 CAD/CAM systems: application features and possible scenarios for the footwear industry 43
- Chapter 4 Optimizing project management and design workflows: visual and computational strategies for collaborative design 77
- Chapter 5 Generating customized 3D garments based on 3D scanned body geometry and 2D sketches 95
- Chapter 6 Machine design: modern design techniques and methodologies for a sustainable design 113
- Chapter 7 Pragmatic customization in medical device design for sustainable healthcare 143
- Chapter 8 3D printing-based applications 165
- Chapter 9 Gamification in teaching of 3D design, scanning, and printing 173
- Chapter 10 EU vision to pave the way for impactful R&I in the Western Balkans: a case at POLIS University 205
- Index 345
- De Gruyter Series in Advanced Mechanical Engineering
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Frontmatter I
- Preface V
- Contents VII
- List of contributing authors IX
- About the editors XIII
- Chapter 1 Topology optimization of prosthetic limb from advanced polymeric materials utilizing finite element method 1
- Chapter 2 Diffusion models in product design: optimizing form toward digital prototyping 21
- Chapter 3 CAD/CAM systems: application features and possible scenarios for the footwear industry 43
- Chapter 4 Optimizing project management and design workflows: visual and computational strategies for collaborative design 77
- Chapter 5 Generating customized 3D garments based on 3D scanned body geometry and 2D sketches 95
- Chapter 6 Machine design: modern design techniques and methodologies for a sustainable design 113
- Chapter 7 Pragmatic customization in medical device design for sustainable healthcare 143
- Chapter 8 3D printing-based applications 165
- Chapter 9 Gamification in teaching of 3D design, scanning, and printing 173
- Chapter 10 EU vision to pave the way for impactful R&I in the Western Balkans: a case at POLIS University 205
- Index 345
- De Gruyter Series in Advanced Mechanical Engineering
