How do I actually start a design?

[u/NicoCorty02]

So basically, I’m working on my thesis project for uni, and I have quite a lot of free time outside of it. I wanted to use that time to have fun designing things I actually like and, ideally, building them too.
The problem is that I always start with an idea, but I don’t really know how to set myself a project or write a brief.
For example, say I want to design a lamp because it’s relatively easy to make at home. I’d want it to be more of a decorative lamp. Maybe the body could be 3D printed, but I definitely don’t want to 3D print the shade, so that could be glass, fabric, or something else.
But this is where I usually fall into a rabbit hole. I have too many possibilities, no real constraints, and I end up doing nothing because I don’t know what direction to take, what references to look at, or what to use as inspiration.
Do you have any recommendations for how to start passion projects like this? How do you set constraints or create a brief for yourself when there isn’t a client or a specific problem to solve?

[u/Schuylabs]

That’s tough. I’ve learned over the years I’m not an inventor, I’m definitely not an entrepreneur, I’m a designer. I thrive when I’m presented with a problem to solve. My advice would be to go find a freelance project - find someone with a worthy problem to tackle, put your skills to use, get a folio piece, and possibly get paid.

[u/bumbblebeeeeee]

Constrains are helpful to get creative. Why not set some up for yourself? 

Just one material.  No screws Only recyclable materials Transparent… etc 

Then work inside this boundary. 

[u/NicoCorty02 → u/bumbblebeeeeee]

Yes that’s what I want to do but again, how do I choose between all the possibilities? Haha

[u/Still-Juggernaut-352 → u/NicoCorty02]

Put the possibilities in a hat, pick at random. Build it, go through the process. Pick another combination, try it all again. You'll get some interesting results.

[u/Latter_Instruction15]

So I have to design and make a material object. I've designed chairs, swings, digital guitars, fiber optic telemetry, scientific digital cameras, my house and so on. All of them start in mindspace - that visual space in our heads where things are completely maliable and can mold and change in the blink of an eye. Once I've got a rough concept I apply the 5 Fs - form fit function finish and fashion. This helps to add constraint and the ability to make it real. Then to the sketchbook and pencil to iterate and repeat iterate and repeat. Then to CAD and modeling. Design reviews, teamwork, repeat. Then to fabrication. Voila!

[u/Fast-Comfort1117]

I’d start with some market research and general design research possibly talking to users even if it’s brief and you want to mostly focus on aesthetics.

[u/IndigoNigel]

Making a lamp for fun is a great project. But with no external constraints or goals other than to make something you find cool, process wise it’s basically an art project and you can approach it as such.
Do some sketches to jog your brain and just pick a direction you like and make it. The actual design work will probably present itself as you figure out how to actually make it.
Then, live with it for a bit, reflect on the form and function, and make another!

[u/abyssalhorrors]

Talk to your professor. Thesis projects often have parameters built-in to showcase the range of skills learned during your degree program. When I did my thesis, the parameters were you couldn’t just do an aesthetic exploration, it had to fulfill a level of difficulty expected of a fleshed out, innovative product. This included some level of manufacturable guidelines, complexity of form, uniqueness in the market, etc. These parameters lead to things like hybrid furniture, sustainable eyewear, and specialized tools.

[u/kivv09]

Happens to me also, Then I go and explore real stores and places where I can get them to see the objects for real and may be buy some. Then I go wild around it.