To write is to think, is to design better.
Writing for designers - really? yes.
Writing is the process by which you realize that you do not understand what you are talking about. Importantly, writing is also the process by which you figure it all out. What you think feels ‘just right’ becomes sharper and more intentional when translated into words. Writing to Think. Writing forces you to slow down, to think more clearly about the project, to focus your attention. It requires sticking with something a little longer and developing a deeper understanding.
Mortimer Adler an American philosopher, educator and author - once said, “The person who says he knows what he thinks but cannot express it usually does not know what he thinks.” We all know someone with this surface level of understanding … Writing is the process by which you realize that you probably do not understand fully what you are talking about … and therefore why you are designing for whom! Utilizing visuals and graphics without understanding why allows you to HIDE from the question WHY this part of the project works - this points to poor thinking.
A useful TIP is to running it by someone else! This tests your thoughts and helps to clarify your understanding, because they will probably have questions. AI-generated text, on the other hand, is disposable by nature. It doesn’t force you to practice attachment and letting go then refinement. The most important key on the keyboard and in life is often the one that deletes.
The translation to good strategy and designing, is that you must have clear thinking to start and like any other skills, it must be practiced regularly.
Another useful TIP (hopefully one you are already practicing) - using your pencil or pen as a tool to ‘solidify’ the knowledge and understanding whether it be for text or visuals, is scientifically proven, that it is a necessary skill set!
The act of writing helps to expose the gaps in your logic or what you think YOU understand of the problem, before you commit to a visual design. "re-writing is re-thinking". Therefor4e don’t worry that what you think/write is absolutely correct, it will come.
A TIP that comes in handy professionally when you are employed - strong writing skills enable better communication with clients, developers, and team members, leading to fewer revisions and smoother collaboration. (Including clearer documents!)
Writing makes you a more complete creative. How many times have you tried to explain to an art director or client - what you mean? Writing before you present helps to clarify vague thoughts and ideas. It will help you explain clearly your approach to problem-solving and therefore what makes you different and valuable.
Just as you refine a visual design, you should revise your writing. Focus on eliminating clutter and then the clarity will come. Again, remember this is a skill that will get better as lone as you continue to practice.
so just start writing - Whether it's journaling, jotting down randomly about design problems, etc. the key is to practice.
Physically speaking - hand writing and hand sketching allow for a more spontaneous, uninterrupted flow of ideas. The act, lacks the actual constraints of electronic tools (yup). The direct physical engagement between the brain and hand fosters uninhibited thinking. This is not to suggest that it should replace the new tools of today. I am simply stating that it significantly helps designers be clearer and is required considerably, at the beginning of the process.
An excellent read - https://www.thethinkacademy.com/blog/edubriefs-sweden-education-shift-from-digital-learning-to-pen-and-paper/ Another excellent read - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyp9d3ddqyo - obviously going back to the basics has some benefits to consider!
For these reasons - start writing, the key is practice for clear thinking and strategy which we need to begin any project.
— the brand auditor —