Delight in Diversity
The “D” element in my alphabetic mnemonic list for successfully practicing design is: Delight in Diversity. Why is diversity in design practice so often simply tolerated rather than enthusiastically embraced? If your business is business as usual, you might think of diversity as…
Improve Iteratively
The “I” element in my alphabetic mnemonic list for successfully practicing design is: Improve Iteratively. In the design process, what happens after you have that big “aha!” moment? Arriving at a core concept or gestalt idea for a project is exhilarating, but if you don’t know…
Knit together
The “K” element in my alphabetic mnemonic list for successfully practicing design is: Knit Together. What does “Architecture” (with a capital A) have that transcends mere building? Architecture is the knitting together of people and ideas to create places of profound richness…
Leave Leavening
The “L” element in my alphabetic mnemonic list for successfully practicing design is: Leave Leavening. Most times the best answers (and designs) are open-ended and invite further inquiry. Ever been in a conversation with a “know-it-all”? First, it’s not really a conversation if…
Materials Matter
The “M” element in my alphabetic mnemonic list for successfully practicing design is: Materials Matter. As virtual reality becomes surreal, designers have the opportunity to make it real. As we expand new digital design, modeling and fabrication technologies, we may find…
Navigating t/here
The “N” element in my alphabetic mnemonic list for successfully practicing design is: Navigating T/Here. Design requires leading people from a known world into an unknown one. While 3D visualizations are bridging the gap between initial conception and final completion of…
Own it. Share it.
The “O” element in my alphabetic mnemonic list for successfully practicing design is: Own it. Share it. As it relates to design, ownership is about an emotional or intellectual relationship. It is incumbent upon designers to engage all project participants along the way,…
Practice Passionately
The “P” element in my alphabetic mnemonic list for successfully practicing design is: Practice Passionately. When you are “in the zone” of your craft, you feel it, and others do too. Cultivate it. If you’re not engaged in what you’re doing, no one else will be either. If you’re…
Question
The “Q” element in my alphabetic mnemonic list for successfully practicing design is: Question. While clients most often seek answers, they may be best served by questions. Rarely is it beneficial for designers to accept things at face value. It is only through asking questions,…
Respect Context
The “R” element in my alphabetic mnemonic list for successfully practicing design is: Respect Context. As a designer, you don’t work in a vacuum. It’s important to respect your context. Just as it is said that “those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it”, those who are…