Why constraints are a good thing in design

I could throw together the most random logo ever if you really wanted me to. I could make it eclectic, maybe even handle it blindfolded. But would you really want me to? I hope not.

Still, that’s the reaction I have every time a client (bless them for trying to make my life easier) says, “I don’t want to limit your creativity so I’m not going to give you any direction.” It sounds nice, but design, unfortunately, needs direction. That is what design is. Design, in all of its forms, is purposeful, never really random. Consult any dictionary and you’ll find that design happens according to a plan or purpose.

So, contrary to what you might initially think, limitations are necessary in the design world. If you adhere to the idea that a designer is a problem solver, then there must be a problem before a designer can design. Though it seems like a pain, and sometimes it is, it takes a great deal of ingenuity to navigate around a problem and ultimately arrive at a solution (not to mention a good solution.)

I’m going to go out on a limb and say that design is the SPORT of operating within constraints. If you really think about it, those times when constraints are most present are the times when creativity is most necessary.

It took awhile for me to really accept that I needed to flesh out the details of a project with clients. You’ll realize that asking those probing questions in the beginning can save a lot of headaches later on. Do yourself a favor and ask those questions and set yourself up for success. The client will forget about the hoops they had to jump through once they have a final product in hand.

Take a look at how in depth Graham Smith, of ImJustCreative, gets with his research process. And Brian Hoff of The Design Cubicle and Erik Peterson of Logo Critiques, do a good job of laying out questions to ask.

If I’m wrong, I’m wrong. I’m just blowing bubbles…