Rigid Beliefs Stifle Creativity

The truth is held within the title itself. My experiences have spanned divisions – from devout missionary work to fervent advocacy of open source, to web design and gaming. Encounters with steadfast beliefs are not uncommon in these domains. Recognizing such staunch ideologues is not always straightforward – one might not immediately notice the UNIX system enthusiast crafting their custom environment from the ground up. [pullquote]We aspire to craft remarkable products or earn substantial wealth. This often leads to rigid adherence to what we perceive as the paths to these ends[/pullquote] This may not be an exact parallel, but let’s explore the idea. Severe repercussions for using open source software or preferring one online game over another might seem farfetched, yet aren’t entirely beyond the bounds of possibility. Extreme behavior surfaces occasionally amongst us humans. And this is where modern dogma typically manifests: as inflexible, uncompromising thought. Creatives possess passion and drive. Our ultimate aim is to create wonders, accumulate wealth, and in pursuit of these, we tend to latch on to rigid convictions. However, our innovative spirits don’t shield us from irony’s universal grip. The digital design realm is goal-oriented. We desire engagement, interaction, loyalty, commerce, camaraderie, even friendship with our audiences. We strive for accessibility and usability while staying abreast of technological advancements, which can be bewildering. To counteract our uncertainties, we rely on what seems to work – on firm facts and the appearance of such facts, which in reality, might simply be conjectures. [pullquote]We assert our stance on a base of facts, and notions resembling facts that turn out to be subjective beliefs[/pullquote] This would be practical if it weren’t for an industry where ‘facts’ are fleeting and subjective. Cling too tightly to supposed facts and you risk being misguided. Herein lies the irony of rigid beliefs; we hold on to avoid uncertainty and change, but this often results in stagnation. Communities, ideas, and industries that resist evolution ultimately face obsolescence. Thus, inflexibility stifles intellectual progress. Design serves as a visual narrative of a creator’s thoughts and must evolve to remain pertinent. Hence, our return to the title’s essence.

Anchoring on Principles Rather Than “Facts”

Take the evolution of web browsers – once Internet Explorer 6 was practically synonymous with browsing itself. Now, Chrome takes the forefront. With an influx of browsers over time, developers began questioning the extent of compatibility required. Cooler heads concluded that sites could, and should, perform across all browsers to varying extents. Now, we adopt principles like progressive enhancement and graceful degradation, avoiding sole reliance on features exclusive to a single browser. Originally, there was a belief in endorsing a ‘best browsers’ list—now, a principle stating every site should perform across as many platforms as resources allow has prevailed. Likewise, the transition from designated screen resolutions to responsive design marked a shift in perspective. What if we were still chasing that ‘ideal resolution’? And the notion that ‘big images increase sales’? While trendy, it’s not an absolute. A more adaptable approach would be, “captivating design enhances sales.”

Embrace the Dynamic Nature of Facts and Consistently Revisit Your Assumptions

With your design principles as a guide, you’re free to adapt your methods in response to new information, provided you remain vigilant. This implies the constant verification of data and beliefs. Dogma often accompanies unchecked assumptions, echoing notions that appear factual. It’s imperative to validate your data and assumptions regularly.

Initiating Change

Be wary of absolute statements such as, “This is the definitive framework/CMS/option.” It’s crucial to reassess such claims. While you might be correct momentarily, the landscape may shift. Additionally, what’s considered ‘the best’ might not necessarily suit every situation. [pullquote]It’s essential to verify your data, establish the facts, and consistently evaluate your assumptions[/pullquote] Next, examine generalizations about ‘Users.’ While the foundations of human psychology remain, interpretations evolve. Research, analyze data, and observe actual user behavior. Finally, the belief that logo simplicity equates to effectiveness demands scrutiny. Simplistic does not always mean superior—vibrancy and personality have their place in design as well. (Indeed, Slack’s previous logo had its issues, but the current alternative raises its own questions.) Featured image via Unsplash