Exploring alternatives to challenge your ideas

Spectrum-thinking exploration framework + case study

Nov 03, 2023

Last week, we discussed a framework that has been around for 50 years and is still relevant for providing structure in exploration.

In this post, we'll discuss another exploration framework that I find useful for adding structure to my process.

If you’ve been wondering how to integrate these exploration frameworks that I’ve been sharing like Reflect-Explore-Iterate and SCAMPER, well, you're not alone. I used to be confused about how to incorporate these frameworks into my workflow, as they didn't always align with my specific needs.

It's important to understand that these exploration frameworks don't necessarily dictate your approach 100%.

Grasp their essence.

Draw inspiration, and

Adapt them to your own situation.

The fact is, I don't always consciously apply these frameworks; my process often combines aspects from various frameworks. Ultimately, these frameworks help me enhance intuitive thinking and counteract exploration paralysis.

Okay, let’s get into the framework I want to discuss in this post.

Spectrum-thinking exploration framework

In a nutshell, this framework is effective for exploring variations and considering the pros and cons by viewing your idea as a spectrum.

A spectrum is a range of different possibilities or options that exist between two extremes. Imagine a sliding scale: at one end, you have one extreme, and at the other end, you have another.

For example, a spectrum could start with 'compact' at one end, representing a limited or efficiently organized layout, and extend to 'spacious' at the other end, representing layouts that offer a generous amount of room.

The challenge is to find the right value you want to explore within a spectrum. It doesn't always involve contrasting terms like 'compact' and 'spacious' or 'prominent' and 'subtle'; it could involve many different factors that suit your situation.

Let’s take a look at the case study below on how we can use spectrum-thinking exploration.

Case Study: Pet Sitting App

I'm designing a solution for paw parents to receive real-time updates when their dog or cat is in care. They can access updates on their pet's activities, view photos, and chat with the pet sitter.

I'm considering adding a visible and accessible entry point on the home screen that leads to another screen with all this information. This feature would only be displayed during an active pet-sitting session and would disappear once the session concludes. Additionally, the primary reason paw parents are likely to use the app during a session is to monitor their pets, rather than for any other purpose.

Here’s my initial solution: I utilized a small space on top of the home screen for the entry point.

Step 1: Define the spectrum & explore within it

The reason I use the compact-spacious spectrum here is that the amount of space I use matters on a home screen, as many different elements are competing for a spot on it.

Tip: This spectrum-thinking exploration isn't necessarily applicable in the high-fidelity phase. It could apply to very rough sketching, mid-fidelity, or any process/medium you use.

Step 2: Understand the pros and cons

Then continue by understanding the pros and cons between these two contrasting ideas. For example:

Compact alternative:
- Pros
  - Minimal space, so I can fit other elements or information.
- Cons
  - Trying to include all the necessary information could overwhelm the compact card. I need to consider trading off some details.
  - Users need to go to another screen to get more information.
Spacious alternative:
- Pros:
  - Increased space makes the design more elegant.
  - Users don't need to navigate to another screen to view all the information.
- Cons:
  - Occupies a significant amount of space, pushing other offerings further down on the home screen.

Step 3: Adjust

So now you might think this spectrum-thinking exploration is pretty much like Reverse in SCAMPER. It is. But what makes the spectrum interesting is that you can find something in between, a combination from one extreme to another, which gives you a third exploration option, or could be a fourth or fifth!

Step 3: Seek a ground between two extremes.

Tip: The new ground isn't necessarily always in the middle; it could be 70:30 or 80:20, where you lean more towards one idea while still incorporating elements of the other.

Creating alternatives is more than just making options, but challenging your own ideas

When observing my process, I always focus on a single value that performs exceptionally well in my case. I employ spectrum-thinking exploration to challenge my best idea and disrupt my comfort zone, not merely to present different ideas reluctantly.

It's good to have a strong viewpoint about our ideas; it means they are handled with care.

When you have a strong view of something, most of us feel uncomfortable or reluctant to consider the opposite perspective, even if it's just to understand what's on the other side. Take, for example, political views, favorite sports teams, or product preferences—Apple enthusiasts are more likely reluctant to explore new Samsung phones.

By considering another alternative, especially at another extreme, I challenge the best value that I've conceived for my idea. For instance, if I believe that this idea should be prominent, what happens if I make it less so, or even subtle? In this case, I’ll explore the benefits I can glean from the other end of the spectrum, and the exploration goes on and on.

That's it! I hope this gives you another perspective on exploration. Next week, I'll share the final post in the design exploration series. Stay tuned, and if you haven't yet subscribed, please do so, or like or share my post. It means a lot to me.

Support Design Buddy

All the content on Design Buddy and in the newsletter is accessible to everyone for free

If you like my post, please consider giving it a ❤️
Share it with your design friends.
Subscribe to the newsletter, if you haven’t.

If you have any comments or feedback, or if you'd like to get in touch, feel free to send me a message. Thank you for subscribing!

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.