Types of Design Tools
Design tools help plan, organise, and visualise ideas when creating IT solutions or products. They allow developers, designers, and users to communicate ideas clearly before starting to build the final product.
Each tool has its own purpose and is suited to different design stages.
Explanation:
Flowcharts show the step-by-step flow of a process or decision using symbols like arrows, rectangles, diamonds, and ovals.
Used for:
Designing the logic of systems (e.g. algorithms, menus, or navigation flows).
Planning user journeys through apps or websites.
Explaining technical processes or sequences.
Common in:
Programming, app development, business process modelling, troubleshooting guides.
Explanation:
Mind maps are diagrams used to visually organise ideas around a central concept. They help generate and structure thoughts.
Types of Mind Maps:
Library Mind Map: Shows related topics branching from a central theme, like sections in a library.
Tunnel Timeline: Displays a sequence of events over time, often used for processes or stages.
Presentation Mind Map: Structures content for presentations, helping with layout and flow.
Used for:
Brainstorming ideas during the early design stage.
Organising content for websites, documents, or presentations.
Planning structures (e.g. navigation menus, features of an app).
Common in:
Project planning, educational resources, marketing, software design.
Explanation:
These are rough sketches or images that show what something might look like, such as a webpage, poster, or app screen.
Used for:
Planning the layout of digital products (e.g. websites, mobile apps).
Showing colours, fonts, images, and content arrangement.
Presenting ideas to clients or teams for feedback.
Common in:
Web design, advertising, UI/UX design, product packaging.
Explanation:
Wireframes are low-fidelity outlines that show the structure and layout of a screen or interface without full detail.
Used for:
Designing navigation, placement of buttons, menus, and images.
Planning user interaction and flow through a system
Preparing early mock-ups for discussion.
Common in:
Website and app interface design, prototyping, UX planning.
Taco Bell rethinks AI drive-through after man orders 18,000 waters
Taco Bell tried using an AI voice system at its drive-throughs in the USA to take customer orders. One problem: a man used it to order 18,000 bottles of water, probably as a prank, and the system didn’t stop him. After this and other mistakes, Taco Bell decided to rethink using this technology in drive-throughs. They say sometimes people are still better than AI, especially when it’s busy or customers change their orders.
Discussion point:
Is it okay for companies to use AI to do jobs that humans usually do (like taking orders)? What could go wrong, and when might it be better to have a human instead of AI?