How To Navigate Design Explorations

People often underestimate the time and effort that goes into crafting a well-thought-out design solution. It can be surprising to see the intricate process behind what may seem like an obvious solution.

Designers devote extensive thought and creativity, resulting in solutions that appear seamless and effortless. However, the journey to achieve this level of finesse is filled with numerous iterations, detailed analyses, and critical decision-making.

Lets understand the pain here

Although its good that designer is turning every brick to unhide the unknown.

But, lot or exploration is ultimately frustrating.

Design iterations is frustrating

Here are few tips to make your life easier

These tips will help you get away with the frustrating loop. Additionally this will help you defend your design while presenting it to higher stakeholders.

Start Like an Artist

Begin with rough lighter strokes. Add each layer of improvement thoughtfully, bringing clarity progressively.

The idea is to make less effort and get more clarity as things unfolds progressively.

1. Write Down Your Thoughts: Writing is often quicker than creating detailed drawings. Jotting down ideas and key points can save time and provide a clear reference as you develop your designs later.

2. Share your initial ideas: Sharing thoughts with your team may be as a paper sketch, or using some story board. Wireframing or creating wireflows can be a great way to share initial thought progress.

3. Keep Rough Notes: Note key pointers as you discuss ideas, refer them later to streamline your design explorations.

Figma screen showing quick thoughts noted beside any new wireframe iterations

Ask Questions like child?

Asking "why" and "what" helps clarify the direction of your exploration. Every design changes should be guided by the

• Why you doing this?

• What you want to achieve?
  

And many more curious questions?

Prioritise your directions

Sometimes, we mix different ideas and explore them in multiple directions simultaneously. Break down and focus into specific questions: eg

• What functional pain point am I trying to solve for the user?

• Is the visual communication is a issue?

• Is the problem related to visual aesthetics?
  

Solve Issues One at a Time

Once you have identified the direction attack them one by one.

First see if the current iteration meets the functional user need. if yes then check is the intent is communicated to user effectively and lastly if its visually appealling.

Stop, think and judge

Avoid the tendency to jump from one iteration to the next without reflection. Instead, bring meaning to each change you envision or create.

• Pause and Reflect: Take time to assess the pros and cons of each design variation.

• Discover Strengths and Weaknesses: Analyze each new iteration to understand its benefits and drawbacks.
  

Follow the below hierarchy to evaluate the pros and cons of your and establish direction for your next changes.

By implementing these strategies, you can navigate the complexities of the design process more effectively, reducing frustration and enhancing the quality of your final output.

Design is an iterative process that requires careful planning, collaboration, and reflection.

Remember to pause and reflect on your progress to ensure each iteration brings you closer to your goal.

Hope sharing this thought will help any designer who finds themselves stuck with cycle of iterations and feedbacks.

But at the end every design solution must be adapted to fit the specific context of your situation. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Adapt, tweak, test, change, and improve continuously.

And, lastly enjoy the journey!