The second diamond of the Double Diamond design process moves from graphical ideas to physical reality. Where the first diamond produces a design brief and graphical concepts, the second diamond produces physical prototypes, a final proof of concept, and ultimately a completed product.
The second diamond follows the same diverge–converge structure:
- Diverge (Develop/Generate): Generate and design physical product concepts; explore form, material, and process through physical experimentation
- Converge (Deliver/Produce): Select, refine, and produce the final proof of concept; evaluate; plan and manage production
Activities:
- Material testing and experimentation (see separate KK)
- Building physical mock-ups and models
- Testing ergonomics with physical representations
- Trialling joining methods and construction techniques
- Comparing physical realisations of graphical concepts
- Gathering end user feedback on physical models
Purpose:
- To test whether graphical concepts translate successfully into physical form
- To identify construction challenges not visible in drawings
- To validate material choices through tactile and functional testing
- To refine form, proportion, and ergonomics using physical evidence
Activities:
- Following the scheduled production plan
- Using materials, tools, and processes safely
- Monitoring production against the plan
- Recording modifications and their rationale
- Applying quality control measures at each stage
Purpose:
- To realise the final proof of concept to the standard specified in the production plan
- To develop and demonstrate production skills
- To document the production process for evaluation
Activities:
- Testing the finished product against evaluation criteria
- Gathering end user feedback
- Comparing outcomes to design brief
- Identifying successes and areas for improvement
- Suggesting further development or modifications
Purpose:
- To provide evidence-based assessment of the product’s success
- To demonstrate that criteria have been met (or to document where they were not)
- To close the design loop: evaluation findings feed back into research and inform future iterations
Activities:
- Developing the scheduled production plan (timeline, materials, tools, risk assessment)
- Monitoring and adjusting the plan during production
- Managing time, materials, and workspace efficiently
- Documenting decisions and changes
Purpose:
- To ensure production is safe, efficient, and achieves the required quality
- To develop project management skills
- To provide a documented record for evaluation
| Phase | Dominant Thinking Mode |
|---|---|
| Generate physical concepts (diverge) | Creative (explore possibilities) |
| Select and refine concept (converge) | Critical (evaluate against criteria) |
| Plan production | Critical + speculative (anticipate challenges) |
| Evaluate | Critical (evidence-based judgment) |
Speculative thinking applies in anticipating future improvements and imagining how the product could evolve with different materials or technologies.
KEY TAKEAWAY: The second diamond moves from physical experimentation (diverge) to production and evaluation (converge). All phases are purposeful and documented.
EXAM TIP: Know specifically what ‘generate and design physical concepts’ means — it is NOT just making the final product. It includes trials, mock-ups, and testing before committing to the final design.
