conceptual design
Early-stage planning sketch
Conceptual design is the early stage of creating something—a building, product, or system—where broad ideas and approaches are explored before detailed specifications.
It establishes the overall vision, purpose, and key features: The conceptual design phase focused on user experience before any engineering began.
The emphasis is on possibilities and direction rather than technical precision.
- flowchartsVisual representations of procedures
- wireframesSimplified visual schematics
- brainstormingGenerating many ideas freely
- prototypingMaking preliminary models
- divergent thinkingProducing varied ideas freely
blue-sky thinking · big picture · iterative process · feasibility studies · lateral thinking · feedback loops · mind mapping · blank slate · schematic diagrams · storyboarding · accessibility standards · ideation · preliminary · first pass · mood boards · white space · vision · creative direction
conceptual designproduction design
Creating a film's visual environment
implementation · execution · finished product · fabrication · manufacture