Design Generation Cheat Sheet

I’ve spent a few years trying to find ways to optimize the creative process. Some of the sloth associated with the process is necessary — Boredom breeds creativity — but some of it can be nudged in the correct direction. Here’s the flowchart that gets me going on any new design.

I've spent a few years trying to find ways to optimize the creative process. Some of the sloth associated with the process is necessary -- Boredom breeds creativity -- but some of it can be nudged in the correct direction. Here's the flowchart that gets me going on any new design.

1. Start with The Room
   • The Space: Analyze the shape and footprint, setting, and interaction within the space.
   • Moods: Consider the ambiance you want to evoke.
   • Style: Decide on a design style that suits the room.
   • Techniques: Think about the construction techniques that will be used.
2. Inform Your Design
   • Obstacles: Identify any physical or light obstructions.
   • Energy: Reflect on the energy and vibe you want in the room.
   • Convenience: Assess the functionality and ease of use.
   • Technical Details: Contemplate any specific carpentry or design techniques to apply.
3. Generate Design Seeds
   • Abstractions: Free associate through moods, styles, and techniques.
   • Challenges: Consider the technical and design challenges.
   • Constraints: Be aware of the limitations and constraints of the space.
4. Combine and Refine
   • After combining your ideas, refine them into coherent design seeds that will form the basis of your furniture design.
5. What to Do With These Seeds?
   • The design course will guide you on how to use these seeds to develop key design elements like proportions, contrast, grain direction, and more.

By using this flowchart, you can streamline your creative process, turning the necessary sloth of creativity into productive design thinking. It's a tool to nudge your creativity in the right direction, from conception to the final design.