Observe, Don’t just see !
Observation is not a talent, it’s just a way of living life
Observation is a fundamental way of understanding the world around us. Being human we are well equipped with senses destined to neurons, which pick details from every aspects. Where we just look and listen to things around us. Close attentions to details such as to focus, analyze reasoning and memorizing. We have to be selective for collecting useful information because human senses are highly bombarded by lots of information. Our brain does many processes. It not only helps you to be more aware and smarter but will enhance your performance and social personality. It is highly important life skill which many people used to take for granted.
We designers often consider ourselves as a creator. We design things, we innovate something new every day. Lots of people have done exceptional work from every part of the world. But there is one thing which is common in all, which is perspective of seeing world differently. They observe things in a way that no one does. And that clearly shows in the kind of execution and detailing they put in their product.
‘If you make listening and observation your occupation, you will gain much more than you can talk’
How does observation play key-role in any design?
People often do researches, sketches and explorations in order to make good design. They also use good ideas that certainly help to create good design. But question remains, Where does this idea come from? It is not miracle, the ideas and the designs come from our daily routine life. So why doesn't every person get those ideas. That’s why observation puts you in front of everyone.
“A few observation and much reasoning lead to error, many observations and a little reasoning to truth.”
Why we miss out things in everyday life?
When you start working on problem, daily life itself gives you a hint for the best possible solutions. Hence another question strikes in mind. Why we miss out things in everyday life. We all get 24 hours in a day, and we come across different things and objects in every seconds. But our brain is focused on one theme then it neglects other objects and focuses on particular tasks. Our brain only observes what we want to.
‘To acquire knowledge, one must study;
But to acquire wisdom, one must observe’
Observation and Detailing
Nowadays we see many things around us but we ignore the minute details in every element. And also we have stopped appreciating the beauty of detailing. We have been seeing great products with very clean detailing. A very piece of detail leads the product to next level. It is not coincident that those are good designers who design in very detail way. It’s the observation that creates the difference.
Yes, you too can develop it!
Observation is a whole brain skill. There are few things which are there in your nature, we call it talent which no one can teach you. Observation is nothing but a way of living life. Observation is all about giving equal importance to objects around us. Observation is all about feeling and appreciating things. Observation is a habit and a practice which can be learned, sharpened and improved. Here are few simple ways to improve observation.
Experience New Things.
Experiencing new things! It will help you to improve observation by engaging your attention. Taking it further and consciously remembering to pay close attention to the details of the environment and experience will help enrich the experience, increase knowledge, and using your powers of observation is the best way to improve the skills involved.
Meditate.
Mindful Meditation is the act of clearing your mind to pay attention to the moment and the world around you. Sitting Meditation is the best way to begin, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. The idea isn't to get lost in your thoughts or the world around you. Keep your focused attention on your breath while practicing these things. Meditation enhances the Brain’s activity levels, similar to shifting a car into a higher gear. This means faster processing, better memory, focus, attention, etc. All skills that are important for observation.
Logic makes you sharp!
It is true that Logic and Observation are separate, but they blend perfectly. Practicing Logic Puzzles, Rubik Cubes, Cryptograms, etc. will aid in honing your Powers of Logical Reasoning. Brain Games often offer Logic Exercises, helping to improve your own Logic. Through daily practice, the art of logic will become natural and easy for you. It will make you think for the logical reasoning behind every object and detailing.
Travel frequently!
Travel a lot! Travelling will open you to new things and experiences. It will allow you to think and think differently. You will be able to accept new experiences and changes. You will come across many new things which indeed will make you observe and think more.
Practice Memory Recollection.
Try and recall the day’s events after the night and think about them, you exercise four parts of your brain. That involves Memory, Working Memory, Reasoning, and Analyzing. Many of the same skills that are used when effectively observing. For further improvement, practise long-term memory once a week by picking either a date or event, then recall and think about as many details as possible. Try and remember the dream you saw last night. This exercises the same skills in a much more dramatic manner. Thinking about things in such a way also helps one to be able to extract more knowledge from their experiences, gain a more mature and rational perspective on the past. The same skills can be applied to forethought. Helping one to stay alert of what is happening in their lives and giving an idea of what is to come.
Learn Through Trial and Error.
Be fearless! This way of learning may increase time but it will surely make you practice logic at every point of design. Do not afraid to do mistakes. Trial and error is the best method to incorporate observation and detailing in your Design.
Now you know the secret. Follow these very simple methods and feel the magic. So, whenever you see something new, give it a little time and appreciate the beauty. And always remember,
Go beyond seeing and start to observe.
