Before

Before

Before is a temporal concept in design that refers to the initial or preceding state of an object, space, or system prior to intervention, modification, or redesign. This fundamental notion serves as a crucial reference point in the design process, enabling designers to establish baseline conditions, identify areas for improvement, and measure the impact of their interventions. In design methodology, the 'before' state encompasses both tangible and intangible aspects, including physical characteristics, functional attributes, user experiences, and environmental conditions that exist prior to implementing design solutions. Understanding and documenting the 'before' state is essential for conducting thorough design research, establishing clear project objectives, and developing effective solutions that address identified problems or opportunities. This analytical approach involves systematic documentation through various methods such as photography, measurements, user interviews, and environmental assessments, which collectively form a comprehensive baseline for comparison. The concept of 'before' also plays a vital role in design evaluation and assessment, particularly in competitions such as the A' Design Award, where judges often examine the transformation from the initial state to the final design solution to evaluate the effectiveness and innovation of the intervention. The documentation and analysis of the 'before' state has evolved significantly with technological advancement, incorporating digital tools, 3D scanning, and data analytics to capture and analyze pre-existing conditions more accurately and comprehensively. This temporal reference point serves as a critical tool for demonstrating the value and impact of design interventions, enabling designers to quantify improvements and justify design decisions through concrete evidence of transformation.

temporal analysis, baseline documentation, design research, comparative assessment, transformation evaluation, initial conditions, reference point, design methodology

— Lucas Reed

CITATION : "Lucas Reed. 'Before.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=476733 (Accessed on November 19, 2025)"