Over the course of my studies of graphic design, I have come to realize that creating successful visual communications is very similar to building construction. In order to create an effective design solution you need a detailed plan and solid foundation to build upon. It is essential to thoroughly immerse yourself in the subject matter you are designing for and also understand the unique characteristics of the individuals who make up the target audience. Only after conducting extensive research and creating a detailed design brief outlining all this information are you able to begin the creative process. Without generating this necessary information in the preliminary stage of the design process, you can never truly design an effective and successful visual communication. Generating this detailed and thorough research gives you clear map of what to explore in the secondary exploration stage of the design process. If you don't have a map and know where you are going, you will be forced to aimlessly wander about, with little hope of ever arriving at the final design destination.