Design Constraints: Clarity Amidst Options

A design constraint serves as a self-imposed guideline that narrows your choices. Various designers utilize these constraints to streamline their focus on individual aspects. In visual design, constraints can include:

• Excluding borders
• Limiting color usage
• Sticking to a single typeface
• Avoiding boxes to separate elements

Implementing constraints can enhance creativity by reducing distractions and promoting project completion. Designers appreciate limitations because they foster the creation of cohesive products instead of merely adding features. Without these boundaries, efforts can become scattered, hindering significant progress.

As Jen Sincero aptly noted, "We can see what we want, and nearly kill ourselves trying to get it in a way that's not working." A lack of constraints can lead to overwhelming choices, resulting in indecision and delays, often manifesting as featuritis.

Featuritis: The Pitfall to Avoid

Design constraints are essential to steer clear of the most critical error in business and design: overcomplication. This issue, known as featuritis, occurs when a product has excessive features that detract from its primary function. Startups and design teams must be vigilant against this common blight.

For instance, I once envisioned an app to alleviate stress caused by social media. Although it was a promising concept, it suffered from featuritis, with an onboarding process featuring over 15 screens and numerous alerts. Ultimately, users were left questioning the app's actual purpose.

Building an MVP: A Meditative Approach

To clarify your product's purpose, it's essential to embrace a meditative mindset during the creation of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Meditation involves focusing on a single point of attention—be it your breath or a sound—and gently bringing your mind back whenever it wanders.

In this context, your area of focus acts as a constraint, guiding your attention back when distractions arise. When tempted to add unnecessary features to your MVP, pause and reflect on your core value proposition. What specific problem are you addressing, and how do additional elements contribute to your vision?

For example, if you're developing a self-propelled lawnmower to assist elderly users, focus on that singular function without unnecessary additions. It's critical to understand that 90% of startups fail because they attempt to solve problems in unclear ways. Overloading your design with features detracts from your ability to excel in one area.

Combating Featuritis with Clear Direction

While it's possible to create a product that performs multiple functions adequately, it’s far more effective to focus on excelling at one. I once grappled with featuritis while job hunting, blogging, and working simultaneously, which left me feeling overwhelmed.

To combat this, I set design constraints by identifying my top priorities and structuring my routine around them. Instead of overwhelming myself with multiple job applications, I chose to focus on one task at a time, allowing clarity to emerge from chaos.

Using Design Constraints for Enhanced Productivity

Similar to scheduling workouts for different muscle groups, I allocate specific days for particular tasks. For example, I dedicate Thursdays to developing an app aimed at promoting environmentally friendly choices, while reserving specific hours for writing.

This approach mirrors a designer’s strategy to optimize productivity and achieve meaningful outcomes. Without constraints, you risk aimlessly flailing about without making tangible progress.

Implementing Temporary Rules for Efficiency

Whether you’re an entrepreneur crafting an MVP or a freelancer managing time, it’s crucial to avoid the temptation of multitasking. Designers impose limits to prevent procrastination and decision fatigue. These temporary guidelines enable you to focus on tangible outcomes rather than getting caught in a cycle of indecision.

To improve your workflow, set aside dedicated time for tasks, just as you would schedule gym sessions. To ensure completion of your projects, simplify your approach and concentrate on resolving one issue at a time. Remember, many startups fail because they create products that lack genuine demand.

Avoid this fate by narrowing your options and striving for impactful contributions.

The first video titled "How to Design Products and Services for Impact" explores the importance of impactful design in product development.

The second video titled "Creating Design Constraints to Help Fuel Creativity" discusses how limitations can enhance creative processes in design.