The optimal method for creation and problem solving
The Do-It Newsletter #31
Hello everyone,
The most valuable technique I picked up in my Design Engineering education was the design thinking methodology. I use it for important decisions in both work and life. The essence of design thinking is to hone in on the problem before you think of solutions.
The “Double Diamond” framework is a helpful guide to this process. The idea is to first diverge (growing the options) and follow it up with a convergence stage (reducing the options). The main takeaway for me has always been that there are rather strict phases to adhere to ensure an optimized solution. Interestingly, this goes against the common perception that creativity is meant to be free and at the mercy of inspiration.
Regarding the 5 acts model, I've been on a fruitful divergence spree over the past year. I've been researching, exploring, and taking notes on various subjects. Structurally, I use a Notion spreadsheet (see the image below) to create relations between the items to maintain a clear overview. This was greatly valuable for the “divergence” phase because I never felt lost or paralyzed.
However, I noticed this format held me back when I sat down to “converge” and synthesize my thoughts. I was moving back and forth between several pages and didn't feel I could grasp the full extent of the contents. Also, it was bothersome to track change, leave comments, and process feedback.
I decided to try something else. Namely, placing the entire 5 acts model in one public Google Doc where I have all of the text and comments in one place. This is also where you'll be able to follow along with this quarter's progress. I'd love to hear any feedback or thoughts you have! Commenting can be done completely anonymously:
So far, It's been liberating to have it all in one place and to be able to easily navigate between the pages. I'll keep you up to date on my experience with it.
🌊 Re-surfaced:
The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins - ShortForm guide
The Selfish Gene takes Darwin's theory of evolution one layer deeper: evolution selects the fittest gene and not the fittest organism. This groundbreaking book advocates the fittest gene idea in the context of aggression, selfishness, altruism, group selection, and memes.
🔗 Link to shortform → The world’s best book guides. You’ll receive 5 days of unlimited and free access and an additional 20% discount on the annual subscription.
📺 Watched:
The Fable of the Dragon-Tyrant - Nick Bostrom
This is a thought-provoking story by Nick Bostrom on how we view mortality.
🔗 Link to the short video
🤍 Appreciated:
MenubarX - free(mium) Mac App
MenubarX is a tiny web browser that lives in your top bar. It can emulate a phone and different window sizes. I love using it for YouTube Music, but it can also be used for your calendar, notes, and social apps, which I will refrain from recommending.
🔗 Link to the app
That’s a wrap
See you next week!
, Edwin