The right questions + research = great start to a solid design process.

This is a good read for those who long to make new and interesting things. For me - the article describes what is simply a great start to a solid Design (with a big “D”) process. This approach offers meaningful contraints to solving problems or adding something delightful to the world.

I love the path of heuristic discovery that leads you to uncover an interesting fact no one person would have realized unless they followed their intuition and backed it up by validating that intuition through observation and play. This approach takes practice and the willingness to be wrong and spend time on things you will very likely throw away. The point is to learn and react so we can offer the world something more than a tchotchke.

Source: fastcodesign.com

Sketch, Sketch, Sketch

This is really nice perspective on the purpose of UI sketching. Sketches aren’t a qualification for artistry but a tool to explore a lot of ideas quickly - allowing the continuum of the design process to move forward. I would note - save all sketches. Review them and make your own notes about what you think works, doesn’t and what could use some discussion. Preserve your ideas so that you can share them with others you feel should be a part of the design process. What you thought was a trash-worthy idea might turn out to be a treasure to someone else - sparking a conversation that ends up somewhere completely unexpected and wonderful.

Source: 52weeksofux.com

Knowing - *MAKING* - Doing

Why do so many product companies, especially web/tech, skip the “making” process? I think it’s because they see it as expensive. “Doing” before exploring and realizing what could be is far more expensive than delivering uninspired, dull solutions that don’t solve problems to their fullest potential and detract from any brand equity you’ve built. Think before you speak - “make” before you “do”.

Top