What do you do if your interior design project lacks strategic thinking?

Strategic thinking is the ability to plan, analyze, and execute your interior design project with a clear vision and purpose. It helps you create spaces that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and aligned with your client's needs and preferences. However, sometimes you may encounter challenges that make you lose sight of your strategy or question your decisions. How do you overcome these obstacles and keep your project on track? Here are some tips to help you boost your strategic thinking skills and deliver successful interior design outcomes.

1 Identify your goals and objectives

Before you start any design project, you need to have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve and why. What is the problem you are trying to solve? What are the expectations and requirements of your client? What are the constraints and opportunities of the site? How will you measure your success? These are some of the questions you should ask yourself and your client to define your goals and objectives. Write them down and refer to them throughout the project to keep yourself focused and motivated.

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Ed Deveikis

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Take a step back and assess the current state of your project. Identify areas where strategic thinking is lacking and understand the impact it may have on the overall design. Clearly define your goals and objectives for the project. What do you want to achieve with the interior design? This will help guide your decision-making and ensure strategic alignment.

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2 Do your research and analysis

Once you have your goals and objectives, you need to gather relevant information and data to support your design decisions. Research and analyze the context, the users, the competitors, the trends, and the best practices in your field. Use tools such as mood boards, sketches, diagrams, surveys, interviews, and case studies to collect and organize your findings. Look for patterns, insights, gaps, and opportunities that can help you create a unique and effective design solution.

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3 Generate and evaluate ideas

Based on your research and analysis, you can start generating ideas for your design project. Use brainstorming, mind mapping, prototyping, or other creative techniques to explore different possibilities and scenarios. Don't limit yourself or judge your ideas too soon. Aim for quantity and diversity first, then filter and refine them later. Evaluate your ideas against your goals and objectives, as well as the feasibility, desirability, and viability of each option. Choose the best idea that meets your criteria and fits your strategy.

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Ed Deveikis

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Identify potential risks and challenges associated with each idea. Evaluate the feasibility of overcoming those challenges and the impact they may have on the overall project. Mitigate risks by considering alternative ideas or developing contingency plans. Analyze the cost implications and resource requirements for each idea. Consider factors such as materials, labor, time, and any additional expenses. Ensure that the ideas fit within the allocated budget and can be executed within the project timeline.

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4 Implement and test your solution

After you have selected your idea, you need to implement it and test it with real users and feedback. Create a detailed plan that outlines the scope, budget, timeline, resources, and deliverables of your project. Communicate clearly and regularly with your client, team, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and collaboration. Execute your design solution with quality and professionalism. Test it with your target audience and collect their responses and reactions. Use the feedback to improve and refine your solution until it meets your goals and objectives.

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Ed Deveikis

Boxing Conditioning Instructor Martial Arts Advocate I’m also an internationally collected artist
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Test the functionality of the space by using it as intended. Sit on the furniture, open and close doors and drawers, test the lighting, and ensure that all elements are working properly. Make any necessary adjustments or fixes to ensure everything functions as planned. Step back and evaluate the implemented solution. Compare it with your initial design concept and consider whether it meets your expectations and goals. Assess the functionality, aesthetics, and overall impact of the design. Invite others, such as family members, friends, or clients, to provide feedback on the implemented solution. Consider their opinions and suggestions to gain different perspectives and identify areas for improvement.

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5 Learn and reflect on your experience

The final step of strategic thinking is to learn and reflect on your experience and outcomes. Review your process and results and identify what worked well and what didn't. What were the challenges and how did you overcome them? What were the successes and how did you celebrate them? What were the lessons and how can you apply them to future projects? Write a report or a portfolio that summarizes your project and showcases your achievements. Share your findings and feedback with your client, team, and stakeholders. Thank them for their support and involvement.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Ed Deveikis

Boxing Conditioning Instructor Martial Arts Advocate I’m also an internationally collected artist
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Remember, the idea generation and evaluation process is iterative. It is essential to remain open-minded, flexible, and willing to refine or adjust ideas as the project progresses. Remember, strategic thinking is an ongoing process, and it's never too late to incorporate it into your interior design project. 👍😄

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What do you do if your interior design project lacks strategic thinking?

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1 Identify your goals and objectives

2 Do your research and analysis

3 Generate and evaluate ideas

4 Implement and test your solution

5 Learn and reflect on your experience

6 Here’s what else to consider

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