Elaborate

In a way elaborating a solution is the core of design. A lawyer working on a rightly formulated text is also designing. He started with a concept text, or maybe a bulleted list, then he considers, adapts, reconsiders, et cetera. He elaborates from a concept to a final product. Likewise, an architect can work from a sketch to a complete drawing.
This part of the design flow may feel rather as a black box. It’s often where the magic happens. In our time of constant communication, it’s something to create space for without distractions. A space of inspiration and sweat. A space where designers have their home. As the lawyer example proves, many people are designers, although rather with text than image.

Although somewhat of a black box process and based on personal preferences, this elaborating can be improved using the right methods. Having the right information at hand (design requirements, test results, clustered information, etc.) help a lot.
Methods like writing a scenario, create ways of expressing the design and at the same time help the individual or team to understand better how it will function in reality.

What if I don’t Elaborate?
It is hard to imagine a design flow where there is no elaborating since this is where the solution evolves.
Being aware that often individuals need to elaborate on (parts of) the design helps to give these team members a clear ‘sub-assignment’.

Where in the Design Flow?
Usually when you have converged towards certain solutions, so you know which ones to elaborate. New information or test results can also be a reason to elaborate.

Which method to use?
It’s not always necessary to apply a method, but it can be helpful sometimes. Really depends on the context.