My design process always begins with the simplest tools: a piece of paper and a BIC pen. This humble starting point allows me to sketch and jot down ideas, essentially "downloading" thoughts from my mind onto the page. Over the course of my 20+ year design career, this process has remained unchanged.
Many people underestimate the power of these basic tools, but I find their simplicity liberating. Without relying on advanced tools or technology, I can design anywhere, anytime, focusing purely on ideas. This fundamental approach has not only guided my professional work but also become a cornerstone of how I teach design.
In my classes and workshops, I encourage students to adopt this method. By sketching and crafting paper models, they can visualize and refine their ideas in a tangible way. This hands-on approach allows them to identify challenges and opportunities early in the process, making it easier to improve their designs.
I firmly believe that this process is both practical and universally applicable, regardless of the type or level of design project. Over the years, I’ve seen students grow through this approach, developing their ideas with clarity and confidence.