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Transform Creative Ideas into Stunning Designs

There are at present a multitude of websites showcasing a delectable array of inspirational material, (more aptly termed as ‘showcases’ or ‘lists’) within the realms of the design fraternity. While these trusted repositories of wonderful resources are an indispensible part of the creative process (one would be “inspirationally naked” without them!), designers need to understand how to translate “clipboard” ideas into compelling visual masterpieces. Turning great ideas into an even greater design requires an understanding of creative ideas and how to harness them effectively. In this article I develop a guideline on transforming design-related conceptual ideas into a well furnished design product. 

Great Ideas CAN be Forgotten

Ideas can be re-worked and re-analysed in an infinite number of ways but they can also be forgotten in an instant. Because of their natural volatility, it is essential that we keep them recorded. When you have a consistent flow of ideas running though your mind relating to a particular project, the wisest thing you can do is to grab a piece of paper and jot them down immediately regardless of the place or time (great ideas have an uncanny tendency to materialise in strange places and at odd times!). Although this might seem like a basic human instinctual response, you would be surprised at how many creative people are left ruing over their inability to recollect ideas which they previously thought were unforgettable. Writing ideas down or even drawing them out is an obvious but mandatory step, even if they seem marginal or somewhat indirectly related to the project at hand. 

Annotate Your Ideas – Inject them with ‘Personality’

If for example, you are engaging in a quick brainstorming session at the commencement of a new project be sure to annotate these preliminary ideas. Let me explain. Annotation – the process of writing a short description beside a body of text or images, is the perfect way to inject meaning into your ideas. A pencil drawing of trees and a hammock (let us hypothetically assume that you are designing a logo for a beach resort hotel), can convey several meanings that are similar and yet subtly different. It is vital to annotate these images with concise phrases that pinpoint the exact message you wish to impart. What does the hammock symbolise? (E.g. Relaxation, the tropics, the beach?) 

Design projects that overlook this step often come across as “confused” and disjointed. The end product will provide a very ambiguous (and wishy-washy) depiction of the intended message, without really hitting the nail on the head. A short description beside each of your preliminary ideas will go a long way in terms of ensuring a polished and purposeful finished product. 

Studying an Idea’s “Design Environment”

Every idea is nestled within a broader scheme or paradigm of presiding ideas. If you are commissioned to design a website for a client, then your design concept should be embedded within a client-specified list of site objectives and goals. Designs that are developed in isolation without an acknowledgement of the presiding plan/scheme usually fail user-interactivity tests, as the design in question will fall short of meeting its functional purpose or ambition. All design elements are contained within a broader context of ideas, higher up on the hierarchy. Study the “design environment” of your concept/idea first prior to launching into the design process proper.

Waltz with Change

As mentioned earlier, creative ideas are rarely cast in stone. If you find yourself veering in a new artistic/visual direction, rather than abort all progress, carefully analyse if this alternative perspective is consistent with the broader objectives that have been stipulated (the design environment). In a previous entry, I defined creativity as the ability to assemble various presumably disparate ideas into a single cohesive whole. The same concept applies in this instance. Waltz with change, mix and match and be flexible in adopting different strategies.

Understand the Context of Criticism

When soliciting feedback on a particular design idea, be sure to fully understand the context of criticism. Certain critical assessments may only address a single aspect of the overall design concept proposed. It is thus important not to land on any premature assumptions about the overall coherency or clarity of the original idea. Put criticism into perspective, and tinker with your idea accordingly. It is also equally necessary to garner comments from people outside the design industry. Feedback providers who are not design practitioners tend to provide simple and concise opinions on the real-world practicality/feasibility of a particular creative idea thus providing you with an opportunity to tailor that design concept to a wider audience.

Collaborate and Discuss

Collaboration and information sharing are absolutely imperative in nurturing creative ideas. Share your resources with fellow members of the design community to facilitate a rewarding learning experience. No matter how established a designer you are, learning is an endless adventure of self-development and discovery. Discussion is often an understated component of the creative process. There are several online design websites which engage in high quality discussion on ideas, concepts and events around the community. Sometimes the best way to cultivate an idea is to talk it out with a bunch of like-minded people. 

How do you nurture your creative ideas?