Words as Material

people new to design tend to confuse an idea for the expression of an idea. Ideas are easy, because they don't rely on specifics. Expressing ideas is incredibly difficult, because doing it well requires a deep understanding of the medium that is only possible by having worked in it, such as understanding which methods to use where, identifying subt... See more

Putting ideas into words doesn't have to mean writing, of course. You can also do it the old way, by talking. But in my experience, writing is the stricter test. You have to commit to a single, optimal sequence of words. Less can go unsaid when you don't have tone of voice to carry meaning. And you can focus in a way that would seem excessive in co... See more