A reflective process to make the most out of your design exploration
A reflective process to make the most out of your design exploration
Design Exploration: Series 2 – An exploration framework by MIT Professor
In the initial series on design exploration, I focused on its definition. In case you missed it. It's worth a look.
During my exploratory process, I engage in a lot of self-talk and occasionally, you might catch me voicing it aloud. My typical self-talk goes like this:
"Ahh... What an interesting idea! I think I could use this idea partially in my context."
"This idea might not work, but it's intriguing."
"It might take considerable effort to implement this idea since we lack some components."
"This looks fantastic! So pleasing!"
"Oh no, when there's a longer text, which users would typically input, the structure might not hold up. However, the layout is appealing. I wonder if there's a workaround.”
And a lot of other self-talk.
The late Donald Schön, an urban architecture professor at MIT, explored how professionals respond to unexpected situations through "reflective practice," essentially engaging in a conversation to observe and evaluate the situation1. Schön argued that to navigate complex, unpredictable situations, professionals engage in reflective practice, which he termed "Reflection-in-Action.”—in other words, thinking while doing.
As designers, we consistently encounter new and unique challenges. Even when we are familiar with best practices and the successes of others, we cannot simply replicate them for our cases. We might adopt a commonly-used solution, but often we find ourselves at a dead-end with what seems to be a brilliant idea.
Here’s what I learned from Schön that inspired a framework for my exploration process.
#1 – Reflect
As you proceed to explore your idea, always move forward with reflection.
Reflect on your ideas with these questions.
Problem-solving:
Have I solved the problem I have set?Appreciation:
What can I appreciate about the idea? What do I like about this idea?Critique:
What could be improved from this idea? What don’t I like about this idea?Think the big picture:
Have I made my design idea coherent with the surrounding elements?
For example, when designing a new card element on the home screen, it's essential to consider how this new card fits and aligns with the overall design on the home screen.Align with a set of values/principles:
Have I designed it congruent with the fundamental values and principles I have set?
#2 – Explore possibilities
If it appears that you haven't adequately addressed the problem, explore new possibilities, consider the 'what-if' scenarios, and apply disciplines to guide your exploration of these situations.
For example, consider the case where you want to add a new card element to the home screen, primarily serving as an entry point. As a mere entry point, it might seem to lack value in making it prominent on the home screen. However, the home screen appears to be a suitable location for the card.
The reflective question might be: What if you could give extra value to make this card more than just an entry point?
When looking at 'what-if' situations, it's easy to get off track without disciplines (principles, sets of rules, or constraints). While it might seem counterintuitive, given that creative thinking often thrives on freedom, discipline can steer creativity in a specific direction.
Reflect on these questions to explore new possibilities and impose disciplines:
Explore possibilities → Reinforcing your idea with more value:
What if we don't limit this to its current purpose but explore its potential for additional utilities?Explore possibilities → Drawing inspiration from other contexts:
Are there any real-world cases from which I can draw inspiration?Applying discipline → Product principles:
What are the product principles of our product that I should keep in mind?Applying discipline → Cognitive Biases:
Are there any cognitive biases or design principles relevant to my case?
#3 – Address consequences
Every decision has a ripple effect, leading to consequences that influence subsequent choices and the overall outcome.
For example, placing a new card at the top of the home screen will push other elements down below the fold.
Reflect on these questions to address any consequence:
Trade-off: Can you accept this as a trade-off, and if so, for what reason?
Bring balance: Is there a way to tweak my idea without sacrificing the others?
It is a loop process to refine your idea:
Reflect → Explore possibilities → Address consequences.
Design isn't as simple as it looks, right?
At a glance, it seems we just design and present ideas. Yet, behind closed doors, we refine those ideas to make sure they're thoroughly thought out.
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Digital handbooks for designers
I'm writing two handbooks to guide designers with valuable insights, helping them thrive in their craft.
Frameworks for Thinking offers various frameworks and tools to help designers and creatives think critically, generate new ideas, and solve complex problems.
Deliberate Practice for Designers provides guides and insights to help you master your craft and become a lifelong learner through deliberate practice.
Schön, D. A. (1983). The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action.