Unit 6, Blog Entry 2: Flow
I had not heard of the concept of flow before this course. My understanding of flow applied to designing is when you are “in the game” and you’re working on a project that you are just so excited about and you’re working through how to get to your goal.
I’ve found myself experiencing flow at times. My brain tends to continue thinking and obsessing over projects when I get excited about them. Time gets away from me and even though it’s time to turn off the computer and shut down email for the day I don’t want to stop working because I’m experiencing flow. I actually find it frustrating when other people whom I’m working with on the project don’t experience it and it excites me even more if they do. It energizes me.
I’ve never really thought of this as a concept or a process so I’ll do my best to describe it.
First I get a project or a problem. Next, I work with others or do research on my own to find out more. Then I think about how I want to tackle the project and brainstorm with others on ideas. I tend to sketch out basic ideas and then start to create solution. Next I go through a process of choosing image and colors, editing, communication to aquire information, set deadlines, get quotes, direct photo needs, etc. And the act of designing the project. I like to get feedback and bounce ideas off of other people but I don’t like everyone to see a project until it’s final. I enjoy making decisions and directing projects but it would be helpful for my flow if I had an assistant to do all of the nitty gritty work and I could focus on the big picture and design work.