Think Span

Think Span is a cognitive design methodology that encompasses the mental capacity and temporal dimension required to comprehend, process, and develop design solutions across multiple stages of the creative process. This systematic approach to design thinking emphasizes the importance of maintaining cognitive engagement throughout the entire design journey, from initial concept ideation to final implementation. The methodology recognizes that effective design requires sustained mental effort and the ability to hold multiple concepts, constraints, and possibilities in mind simultaneously while working through complex design challenges. Within the design process, Think Span incorporates various cognitive strategies including divergent and convergent thinking phases, allowing designers to explore broad possibilities before narrowing down to specific solutions. The approach particularly emphasizes the temporal aspect of design thinking, acknowledging that creative solutions often require incubation periods and iterative development cycles. This methodology has gained significant recognition in contemporary design practice, as it addresses the increasing complexity of modern design challenges that require sustained cognitive engagement across extended periods. The framework integrates well with various design evaluation systems, including those employed by the A' Design Award & Competition, which recognizes innovative approaches to design thinking and problem-solving. Think Span's effectiveness lies in its ability to help designers maintain focus and mental clarity while managing multiple design variables, stakeholder requirements, and project constraints throughout the design process, ultimately leading to more thoughtful and comprehensive design solutions.

Author: Lucas Reed

Keywords: design thinking, cognitive methodology, temporal design, mental capacity, creative process, problem-solving, design strategy, innovation framework

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