This post is a replay from issue #10 of The Playbook that I never sent to your inbox. I'm on a break from writing new posts, but I'm excited and looking forward to sharing further insights soon. Additionally, I'm making progress with my upcoming handbook about deliberate practice for designers. Some free slots are still available if you're interested, as I plan to charge for them once it's published.
Writing is thinking. To write well is to think clearly. That’s why it’s so hard.
~David McCullough.
As a designer, your work goes beyond just creating designs. It's essential for you also to communicate your work effectively. This means presenting your designs to people who have a stake in the project and discussing ideas with your team to get their input and suggestions.
Here's the hard truth: Some of the best ideas never come to fruition, not because they lack quality, but because they fail to convince others. Sometimes, if presented well, rough sketches can be more persuasive than meticulously crafted mockups.
But let's be real: Explaining your design is no easy task. Finding the right words to convey it to others can be a real challenge, even if you've immersed yourself in your creation for weeks.
So, what can you do?
Well, one practical approach to improving your ability to explain your ideas is to put them into writing. Writing helps you think.
Problem: What user problem are you trying to solve here?
Proposed idea/solution: Explain your idea/solution. Tell more about why this would work.
By writing down your thoughts, you'll uncover irregularities and inconsistencies that may have escaped your notice before. You can refine your sentences, reorganize your ideas, and repeatedly review your writing until it becomes crystal clear. This process is crucial for refining your thoughts before sharing them.
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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.