The design process debate

I must confess that I have strong opinions about “design process” and I'm biased by my understanding of design. Some of you might disagree with me.

Process is so boring!
Process word reminds me of ‘industrial process’ or ‘manufacturing process’. The mental image I get is that of a conveyor belt where a product (which is manufactured) is moving from one person to another. And each one is fixing their own piece without knowing the relevance and the larger picture. Process comes in when to mass-produce items – when the research I being done and all parameters understood.

Also when we know the outcome of the product – manufacturing process where the outcome is predicted. If you use an iron metallurgical process you know that you will get iron of a specific quality out of a process. You can manipulate the process parameters to change the outcome slightly.

Design as research
But what about Design? I don’t see design as an industrial product one where the solution can be predicted or reused (without modification). I don’t see design to be close to industrial/manufacturing process, then where does it lie?
Looking at pattern design process – where specific patterns are to be used. Isn’t this another way of mass production? Yes I know for large enterprise it’s difficult to think out of those due to practical issues. But isn’t this is another conveyer belt? Where a designer is expected to fit in specific “item” (from a selected few) without knowing the complete problem. So the thinking is subject to ‘validation of what fits well’ than what is the solution.

Design as problem solver
I’m a strong believer of design as a problem solver. I see design closer to Research than to manufacturing/production. So how do we think about design then? Does following a process ensure an innovative solution?
I guess not. Innovation is closely tied up with how well the designer understands the ‘problem’. And process doesn’t highlight the problem – it’s just a ‘way’, not a ‘destination’.

Can’t we dump the process?
Is there a better way to look at the process or should we just change our approach to thinking about process? I guess the real value is in knowing the ‘problem’ in its all dimensions. If you have this approach you don’t need a process; all you need an attitude – to solve the design problem to its fullest.

Innovation comes from idea and intellect. Nurture talent not process as your primary objective.