Standing at the abyss of a design problem

The ‘beginner’s mind’ is all well and good when you’re tackling a new project (starting with as few assumptions as possible) but I find that this gives way to a very particular feeling near the beginning.

If you’ve ever learned to ski, you’ll probably know it. It’s the way things are when you’re standing at the top of a mountain for the first time, looking down, unaware of the size of the challenge.

Your breath is short — it’s a special kind of anxiety — realizing that you know very little, and you don’t have any solid idea about how to get to the bottom. Sure, you’ve seen the ski run map (or, you’ve planned out your design activities) — but that doesn’t offer much reassurance while you know so little about the problem you’re trying to solve. Note that this isn’t usually the *absolute* beginning of a project. Knowing absolutely nothing is difficult, but then learning enough to realise how little you know is the intimidating bit.

The only resolution really, is to lie to yourself a little bit. Know that the things you’re planning to do will help you build a picture of what you’re doing — the more time you spend with your head soaking in the problem, the true picture will emerge.

In Creativity Inc, Ed Catmull quotes Brad Bird (director of The Incredibles) on the perpetual state of feeling like there’s not enough time. No matter when the movie is getting released, no matter how unfinished it may seem, he has to convince himself that yes, there is enough time to get it done.

That special state of uncertainty requires of us an act of faith. You may not find the right answers right away, but find them you will if you’re paying attention. It doesn’t matter if you feel like you know nothing; that’s probably a good thing — you can ask the dumb questions, the ones no-one else has bothered to ask.

Relish in your naivety — enjoy it. Turn your anxiety into reassuring amusement. I know nothing! But all will be well, as long as we spend time understanding the problem.