The Basics of Woodworking Design: How to Get Started

Attempting to design your own projects can seem like a daunting task, especially to someone who is new to the woodshop. Whether a small keepsake box or a large dining room table, one key factor is common: you have a need, and are trying to create a solution. Your need could be your own, or a need on behalf of your customer. Either way, your solution must be both effective and attractive. But how can you convert a need into a solution?

There are four basic principles for good project design, which will break down this large and difficult task into sensible, manageable steps:

1. Objective Needs (What will it do?)

2. Preferential Decisions (What will it look like?)

3. Proportional Design (How is it created?)

4. Reality Check (Will it work?)

Over the next four posts, I would like to dig into each one of these four principles, and give you an excellent framework to break down the design process for any project. At the end, I will also provide a printable outline with each question prepared. Put a few copies in the shop to help launch new projects!