The Vexed Generation Parka is a good example of how designers can get their ideas and inspiration from the different worlds of fashion and technology. Their coat not only has a stylish, urban look but is also made of modern, space age materials originally designed by NASA for use by astronauts in space.

Ideas are the most exciting part of the designer's work. It is at this point that designers are at their most creative - initiating, developing and also rejecting ideas and also taking ideas from one setting and using them in another, seeking inspiration from both the natural and built environment. All the time, the designer has to decide between the different requirements of the product, taking account of such things as aesthetics, different technologies, cost and quality.

To help this creative process, design consultancies often encourage their designers to work in teams, made up of people with different skills and abilities but all working to one common goal.

Brainstorming is one technique often used by designers to generate ideas. It's so easy anyone can do it! A group of people sit down and come up with as many ideas as they can. Anything goes, and the important thing is that everything is recorded or written down, and no ideas are rejected. Later the results are grouped together and some are investigated further. This process can often lead to new or unexpected approaches to a design problem.

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Alternatively, some designers like to tackle design problems by 'thinking on paper', using a wide range of drawing skills to clarify and communicate ideas in free flowing sketches which gradually become more detailed as ideas become clearer. Others may start their thinking by working with materials to physically model, mock up and prototype ideas and resolve problems. Designers today increasingly use computer-aided design (CAD) systems and rapid prototyping techniques such as stereolithography to develop and clarify ideas. These systems have the advantage of the instant sharing and communication of ideas and data across the world, allowing them to be edited by all the people involved in the design process.

It is important to remember, however, that no matter how a designer chooses to work, indeed often using all of the techniques mentioned above, the most important thing is the development of creative and workable solutions that meet the approval of the client.