How to Approach Your Design Ideas

A design project, big or small, has to follow a process. The best design ideas do not often come fully formed and ready for execution. They usually start as the tiniest inkling of an idea and require lots more thought and planning before they are ready to come to life. You have to approach your design ideas in the right way so you don't get overwhelmed or accidentally end up with an outcome that is more amusing than effective. 

Dream It

The first step in any design process is coming up with that initial idea. This is the fun and easy part. After the idea first hits you, you have to hold on and keep the idea moving and growing. I love using Pinterest to gather inspirational images. 

Write It

Whenever you come up with that first initial idea, write it down immediately. It is too easy to forget the details of genius plans and writing down the idea gives you more of a chance to expand on it. Throughout the project, remember to keep writing all subsequent ideas or details down.

Imagine It

Hold on to that initial idea and picture the design happening step by step. This will help you to further expand on the details of your design and help you realize and remember potentially important details. Again, do not forget to write everything down as you go.

Plan It

Once you have the details thought out, you are ready to start your plan of action. Make yourself lists of the items you need, people you need to call, and whatever other items of action will need to be completed.

Map It

Draw and/or write out your design plans in the most detailed way possible. Think of it as an instruction manual for your idea. Seeing it planned out this way will help you to see the project from a different point of view and realize the project as a whole.

Ready It

Start purchasing your supplies, hiring contractors, and making the first steps towards implementing your design. Getting everything ready ahead of time will help you to avoid forgetting those important details.

Prep It

Once you have everything you need, get everything in place for execution. For example, if you are redecorating a room that will need to be painted, go ahead and cover the floors and prime the walls.

Do It

The final step in implementing your design idea is to do it. With all of your well-thought-out details and with a well-planned course of action, your design idea will come together easily and without much trouble.

How you approach your design idea will greatly affect the overall outcome. Approaching the idea in as detailed and organized fashion as possible might feel less “in the moment” but it will lead to a more successful outcome overall. Truly allowing your idea to blossom, putting together all of the little details of it and mapping out the project as a whole can help you realize your ideas to their fullest capacity and lead to a more effective outcome.