How to Make Something Out of Nothing: The Design Mindset
Inspired by Tina Fey’s Rules of Improv
The Design Mindset: Embracing the Unknown
In recent weeks I’ve been immersed in product design. Each iteration reinforces a recurring realisation: there's a foundational mindset which one needs to embrace, and it’s hard. While mantras like "be the guide, not the hero" offer direction, they don't fully address the discomfort I feel when navigating ambiguity - the innate desire for early certainty. But this desire blocks creativity, and creates rabbit holes.
Looking for inspiration, I awoke this morning remembering Tina Fey's rules of improvisation. Though rooted in comedy, these principles resonate deeply with the design process. So here they are!
1. Say "Yes" – Embrace Possibility
In improvisation, the first rule is to agree - to say "yes." This doesn't imply blind concurrence but instead accepting and building upon the presented reality. This translates to embracing user feedback and experiences in design, even when they challenge our assumptions.
Example:
Consider Lily, a young girl who discovers an empty cardboard box.
Lily: "This isn't just a box; it's a spaceship!"
By affirming her imagination, Lily embarks on an interstellar adventure.
Design Insight: Accepting and valuing user perspectives, no matter how unconventional, opens avenues for innovation.
2. Yes, And – Build Upon Ideas
The second rule encourages us to accept ideas and expand on them. In design, this means iterating on feedback and enhancing concepts collaboratively.
Example:
Lily's friend, Max, joins her.
Max: "Yes, and let's add a time machine to visit dinosaurs!"
Their cardboard box evolves into a time-travelling vessel.
Design Insight: Collaborative expansion of ideas leads to richer, more comprehensive solutions.
3. Make Statements – Take Initiative
In improv, making statements propels the scene forward. Similarly, in design, proactive contributions drive progress.
Example:
Max declares, "We're landing in the Jurassic era to study dinosaurs!"
His initiative sets the stage for their next adventure.
Design Insight: Taking decisive actions and presenting clear ideas accelerates the design process.
4. There Are No Mistakes – Embrace Learning
The final rule emphasises viewing mistakes as opportunities. In design, setbacks are invaluable learning moments.
Example:
Their time machine malfunctions, leading them to an unexpected location.
Lily: "Oops! We landed in the wrong era."
Max: "No worries! Let's learn about these creatures while we're here."
They adapt and make the most of the situation.
Design Insight: Embracing and analysing missteps fosters resilience and drives innovation.
Navigating the Design Journey
Lily and Max's imaginative journey underscores the essence of design: embracing ambiguity, building collaboratively, taking initiative, and learning from missteps. By internalising these principles, everyone trying to build something from nothing can navigate the unknown with confidence and creativity.
Here’s an image to print and stick on your wall:
Michael is off to continue building his spaceship.