Day 2: Unlocking Clarity - 3 Simple Questions to Kick Off Any Design Process
Are you about to start a project but feeling unsure where to begin?
Whenever I start any design process—whether it’s for life, business, a conference, a product, a social service, or even a learning experience—there are three key questions I always ask myself.
These questions help me get my bearings, like figuring out where I am before I begin the journey toward the change I want to make.
Here are the questions:
1. What outcome am I designing for?
We don’t design just for the sake of it. The whole point of designing is to bring something specific to life, a particular goal or vision. You likely have a clear picture in your mind of what that looks like, but it’s important to say it out loud or write it down. Why? Because defining the outcome not only helps you clarify exactly what you’re aiming for, but it also creates something concrete that you can share with others who might join you in the design process.
2. What resources do we have for the design?
Every design is built from the resources available to you. This could be physical objects, people, locations, funds—whatever you can pull from. Think of it like cooking a meal. You need to know what ingredients you already have and what you might need to go out and get. By identifying your resources upfront, you can figure out whether your design is realistic and start planning any necessary prep work before diving in.
3. What constraints do we need to consider?
Constraints are the real-world factors you have to account for. What limitations or requirements must your design meet to work in the context you’re designing for? For example, are there age restrictions, legal requirements, or specific needs of the people you’re designing for? Constraints help you understand the boundaries your design will need to function within.
So, as you get ready to create something new and bring about the change you’re passionate about, remember to ask yourself these three questions. They’ll help you stay grounded and clear before you make your first move.
May the force be with you!
Whenever I start any design process—whether it’s for life, business, a conference, a product, a social service, or even a learning experience—there are three key questions I always ask myself.
These questions help me get my bearings, like figuring out where I am before I begin the journey toward the change I want to make.
Here are the questions:
1. What outcome am I designing for?
We don’t design just for the sake of it. The whole point of designing is to bring something specific to life, a particular goal or vision. You likely have a clear picture in your mind of what that looks like, but it’s important to say it out loud or write it down. Why? Because defining the outcome not only helps you clarify exactly what you’re aiming for, but it also creates something concrete that you can share with others who might join you in the design process.
2. What resources do we have for the design?
Every design is built from the resources available to you. This could be physical objects, people, locations, funds—whatever you can pull from. Think of it like cooking a meal. You need to know what ingredients you already have and what you might need to go out and get. By identifying your resources upfront, you can figure out whether your design is realistic and start planning any necessary prep work before diving in.
3. What constraints do we need to consider?
Constraints are the real-world factors you have to account for. What limitations or requirements must your design meet to work in the context you’re designing for? For example, are there age restrictions, legal requirements, or specific needs of the people you’re designing for? Constraints help you understand the boundaries your design will need to function within.
So, as you get ready to create something new and bring about the change you’re passionate about, remember to ask yourself these three questions. They’ll help you stay grounded and clear before you make your first move.
May the force be with you!
