In a recent lecture by UK designer and educator Paul McNeil, the contention that ideas might not be as crucial as we believe them to be took center stage. McNeil posited that systems, process, and intention hold far more weight in design practice. While initially resistant to this concept, as I am a loyal advocate of the "big idea first" school, I couldn't help but find myself intrigued by McNeil's argument. And as it turns out, I was impressed with the merit of McNeil's perspective.
McNeil's emphasis on process highlights the importance of deliberate approaches to design. By prioritizing the journey over the destination, designers can cultivate a deeper understanding of design nuances, refined outcomes, and even make chance discoveries along the way. Similarly, his emphasis on intention illustrates the significance of a purpose-driven design approach.
While I remain rooted in the belief ideas are the catylists for successful story building, many valuable insights can emerge from empirical design observations, shedding light on patterns and motifs that may have gone unnoticed. In embracing a more holistic approach to design that utilizes ideas and processes, we stand to unveil new workflows elevating both design quality and outcomes.