Observation
The Detail You Almost Missed: Turning Observation into a Starting Point
Turn observation into a creative question by choosing a telling detail, checking its context, and shaping a focused…
The reading room
All pieces
Read pieces on noticing, developing and presenting ideas, from useful constraints to the small choices that make a concept easier to share.
Constraints
A Short Brief or an Open Page? Choosing a Starting Constraint
Choose a starting constraint that fits the work: use a short brief to focus a defined task, or an open page to explore…
Development
Before the Sticky Note: The Index Card as a Thinking Tool
Use an index card thinking tool to turn scattered idea fragments into a clear concept map, then choose which…
Feedback
The Polished-Draft Trap: Why Editing Too Early Can Shrink an Idea
Editing too early can make an idea smaller before its point is clear. Separate drafting from revision so you can…
Presentation
A Two-Minute Introduction to an Unfinished Idea
A two-minute introduction to an unfinished idea makes a rough concept easier to picture, so listeners can follow its…
Our point of view
Ideas grow by being put to work
A good starting point need not be grand or expensive. We look at the choices that help a rough thought become clear, useful and ready to share.