Using Practical Approaches to Support Design Ideas

Sketching and Creating Mood Boards

Sketching is an important initial step in the visual merchandising design process, allowing visual merchandisers to brainstorm, experiment with different layouts, and convey preliminary ideas in a tangible form.
Merchandisers often create mood boards which consist of images, material swatches, and text that capture the desired atmosphere and theme of the final display. This helps to visually communicate their ideas to clients or team members.

Visual merchandisers use Computer-aided Design (CAD) software to create accurate and detailed visual representation of their plans. This helps refine the design before actual construction starts.
CAD provides the ability to view design in 3D and from multiple angles, to give more detailed impression of what a display would look like in real life. This is useful in minimizing costly mistakes.

Physical prototyping involves creating a tangible version of the display concept. This can help in visualising how the design translates into physical space.
Mock-ups or miniature versions of larger displays are also used, particularly when planning window displays or larger in-store setups. This practical approach allows for a cost-effective way to explore character and potential of a design idea.

Visual merchandisers use material samples and swatches to experiment with textures, colours, and patterns. This helps to achieve the desired feel of a design and understand how different materials will combine in final setup.
It’s key to consider the durability of materials as well as their aesthetic appeal. Materials should match the needs of the display - for example, whether the display is for short-term use or meant to last a longer period.

Visual merchandisers often work in teams leveraging diversity of skills, expertise and perspectives to create more vibrant and engaging displays.
Iterative feedback process is fundamental to evolving design ideas. It involves constant critique and refining of the design based on external inputs and feedback from customers, peers or team members. This helps create a final design that is more likely to fulfil its planned purpose successfully.