Problem Seeking and Problem Solving

This chapter discussed the inital motivation for work in the design process as well as the fine arts process. For designers it usually begins with a problem that needs solving where as independent artist pose questions based on personal and cultural experience. I felt that the sources of ideas such as studying nature or transforming common objects were possibly good places to start but not where you would want to end up. Mainly because I thought they seemed cliche or overdone. The breakdown of convergent thinking was helpful and a good way to implement research in my process book. It motivated me to get started on my next project especially because I enjoy researching things that I am interested in. I also found the questions helpful and I plan to use the same. Often when starting a new project I jump quickly back and forth between ideas never really making a decision until the last minute which is similar to divergent thinking. However it is clear from this chapter that my usual way is not the best when it comes to assignments with deadlines. Even though I find the beginning stages of the divergent process always more exciting then convergent thinking, it most of the time becomes more frustrating in the end. I like the idea of switching back and forth between the two when necessary. Even though I felt like most of the chapter was elaborating on many things I already knew, I always find it important to revisit these critical elements when beginning new work. I find them inspiring, especially the exploration of an open mind and hope that these methods and principles will be ingrained so that one day they will come very naturally.