The Secrets of Great Design: Looking Broader, Closer, and Younger

The Secrets of Great Design: Looking Broader, Closer, and Younger

Design is the art of improving everyday things, of seeing the potential for change and enhancement in the objects and systems we interact with on a daily basis. But as human beings, we often become habituated to the things around us, which can prevent us from noticing the problems that need solving. In this article, we will explore three secrets of great design that can help us break free from habituation and create innovative solutions: looking broader, looking closer, and thinking younger.

The first secret of great design is to look broader. When faced with a problem, it's important to take a step back and examine the larger context in which that problem exists. Oftentimes, there are multiple steps or processes leading up to the problem that can be changed or improved. By looking at the bigger picture, we can identify opportunities to combine or eliminate certain steps, ultimately leading to a better solution. This approach requires a holistic mindset and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

The second secret is to look closer. Sometimes, the key to great design lies in the smallest details. By focusing on the tiny aspects of a product or system, we can identify inefficiencies or outdated practices that may have been overlooked. It's important to question whether these details are truly necessary or if they can be eliminated to streamline the design. This level of scrutiny and attention to detail can uncover hidden opportunities for improvement.

The third secret of great design is to think younger. Children have a unique perspective on the world because they haven't yet become habituated to the way things are. When they encounter a problem, they immediately try to solve it, often coming up with creative and innovative solutions. By having young people or individuals with young minds on your design team, you can infuse a sense of curiosity and fresh thinking into the process. This diversity of perspective can lead to breakthrough ideas and solutions that would have otherwise been overlooked.

Combining these three secrets of great design can lead to truly transformative outcomes. By looking broader, we can identify systemic issues and make sweeping changes. By looking closer, we can refine the smallest details and eliminate unnecessary elements. And by thinking younger, we can tap into a wellspring of creativity and innovation.

To further enhance your design process, it's important to adopt effective methodologies and frameworks. The Double Diamond model, developed by the British Design Council, provides a structured approach to design that emphasizes discovery, definition, development, and delivery. This model encourages designers to immerse themselves in the research process, engaging directly with users to gain insights and inspiration. By involving designers in this way, companies like Starbucks have been able to create impactful and user-centered designs.

However, it's crucial to approach the Double Diamond model with a discerning eye. The definition stage, in particular, requires careful consideration and filtering of ideas and data from the discovery stage. It's important to focus on relevant information and avoid getting caught up in irrelevant data, as this can lead to design failures. Additionally, involving different departments in the design process can help identify and address potential problems early on, reducing the need for extensive prototyping and testing.

One company that exemplifies the importance of designers experiencing their own creations is Microsoft. Their philosophy of "eating their own dog food" means that designers use the products they create in their own work, allowing them to empathize with and better understand the user experience. To support this approach, designers need professional tools that enable them to make design changes quickly and efficiently. By having the right tools at their disposal, designers can iterate and refine their designs in real-time, ultimately creating better experiences for users.

In conclusion, the secrets of great design lie in looking broader, looking closer, and thinking younger. By adopting these approaches, we can break free from habituation and create innovative solutions that address real problems. Additionally, incorporating methodologies like the Double Diamond model and embracing the philosophy of "eating your own dog food" can further enhance the design process. So, let us strive to broaden our perspective, scrutinize the smallest details, and embrace the fresh thinking of young minds. By doing so, we can unlock the true potential of great design and make a lasting impact.