I've always used the term 'outcome' and 'output' to define the same thing in the design realm. Today I learnt that these words have completely definitions. An output is the product, service or facility that results from a project objective, whereas an outcome is the change, benefit, learning or effect derived from what the project offers through it's outputs. In order to create a successful and creative project it is important not to consider the output so soon. This is something I've always left to make decisions about near the end of the project, despite it being the main objective. Though it makes sense to consider outputs first, what really matters is the outcome your output's will have. What feelings do you want to evoke from the user? what do you want them to do after they've engaged with it? Consider what the output can do, before you consider what the output is. |