Once a concept is realized it requires evaluation. While evaluation may not seem to be a core part of the creative process the truth is that some things just come down to trial and error. It is said that hindsight is 20/20 and it is for this reason that the role of the evaluator holds importance.
Any individual with a rudimentary understanding of the intended function of an object can serve as a suitable evaluator. This individual tests the finished product to see whether it fulfills this function to a satisfactory degree. Beyond this the evaluator also gauges the potential for improvement and it is here that the importance to the creative process comes into its own.
Without suitable testing it is only too likely that the end product will end up flawed or simply not of as good a quality as it could have been. The importance of testing is recognized in many fields from pharmaceuticals to architectural techniques to beer production to oven gloves and more. While it is certainly possible for a concept to be realized to perfection the first time round the truth is that it is very difficult to foresee all eventualities and circumstances before realization. Entire buildings have required reinforcement due to insufficient consideration of diagonal winds and the like and so the assumption ought to be that a product shall require testing to reach perfection.
Once faults, flaws and imperfections are identified then the evaluator passes things backwards in the creative process, perhaps as far as the conceptual stage itself, depending on how radically different the end result proves to be. Even in the event of no perceivable faults the evaluator remains of value as sometimes technological advancements make improvements possible.
And this about wraps up the series for the creative process.
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