A Philosophy of Teaching Design

How does one learn design?  More importantly why does one learn design?
The question of why is difficult - particularly when the 'Why" is buried in the limbic part of the brain.  It's intuitive, it understands, it creates, and is in touch with "feelings".  But with one problem.  The limbic brain does not control speech.
This given means that design is a phenomenon that is difficult to understand and verbalize.  It must be felt, understood, experienced and experimented on.

The thing about design is that it is steeped in a sense of mystery.  But in actuality it is merely a process.  Instructing students on this process lends itself to both personal and group experiences.

Design is democratic.  Design has its process.  Design is like an athletic competition!  Like athletes, designers need to be well conditioned, and constantly practicing to perfect their craft. 

We also need clean clear processes which stumped me for the entire year.  As I write this, it occurred to me that I had started this blog, got overwhelmed with unanswered questions... and stopped to ponder... for 9 months!  But now I have the answer.

The answer lies in algorithms.   Processes that allow one to work through the creative process in a collaborative and fast process that works far better than the processes we use today.  In fact the only industry that uses this process is the software development industry.  And it is slowly spreading through tech... and now finally - I'll be using it in designing brick and mortar.  The answer is SCRUM.  

For those of you who heard of Scrum, great!  For those of you who haven't -  highly recommend a book by Jeff Sutherland - co-founder of Scrum almost 25 years ago.    here's the link:   ​https://www.amazon.com/Scrum-Doing-Twice-Work-Half/dp/038534645X

Now the amazing thing about this book is that it really works.  I mean REALLY works.  We got Maui Divers Jewelry open at the international marketplace using this method.  The method was used on a  penthouse design where we conducted the interior design in 2 weeks after about a year mired in a previous waterfall management style.    The method works, and you will get to see it in action when design work is completed  in 1/2 the time for nearly half the cost... (if I can get my engineers to cooperate, then you'd truly get half the cost.)

This method is what I tag the Algorithm of Innovation...  It is a simple process that opens up a task into it's most transparent, highly communicative, team-centered system that I have ever, EVER, encountered.  And I'm getting along in years!  

For me simply it is an industry disruptor, and I will gladly lead the charge.    It's a killer app.    Those who do not adopt will not be in business after 1 more cycle.  

OK - read the book, and see what I mean... Or if you don't want to know, and just need it taught to you, I'm working on certification, and then I'll teach this as it applies to the creative building arts.

please let me know your thoughts on this!  talk soon!  -H