How the DRY Principle Simplified My Design Workflow
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Chapter 1: The Importance of Time in Design
In today's fast-paced world, designers often feel the pressure to deliver results quickly. Each day is a testament to the creative processes we engage in, with time being the central element that influences everything we do.
Recently, I've realized that whenever I use InDesign to create a branding manual for clients, I'm frequently replicating the same document layout and grid structure. This repetitive task has been a staple in my routine for the past seven years. It was only when I paused amidst this repetitive cycle that I sought out methods to enhance my efficiency.
I suspect many of you face similar repetitive tasks. Streamlining these activities is essential for successfully implementing the DRY principle. I encourage everyone to embrace the DRY mindset.
Section 1.1: Understanding the DRY Principle
The DRY principle, which stands for "Don't Repeat Yourself," is commonly utilized in software and app development. During a recent exploration of this concept, I found it fascinating how developers leverage this method, prompting me to think, "This could be beneficial in my design work too!"
While the application of the DRY principle may vary among designers due to our unique workflows, the core message remains unchanged: "Don’t Repeat Yourself." Below are some strategies to incorporate DRY into your design process:
Subsection 1.1.1: Mapping Your Creative Workflow
Reflect on your own creative workflow. A process consists of a series of actions taken to reach a specific goal. I am confident that many of the steps you follow are repeated in each new project.
Drawing inspiration from biomimicry, nature exemplifies a process that thrives on repetition. Our aim should be to execute these repetitive tasks as efficiently as possible.
Section 1.2: Analyzing Each Step of Your Process
Decompose each stage of your workflow into smaller components. It's within these finer details that you can pinpoint repetitive tasks and apply the DRY approach.
For instance, I recognized that a step I follow for nearly all my clients adheres to a similar structure. Consequently, I developed a template based on this foundational layout, allowing me to make minor adjustments tailored to each brand's identity.
While the time saved in this instance might not seem substantial, its impact becomes significant over time. Now, consider applying the DRY principle to all your repetitive micro-tasks.
Chapter 2: Simplifying Your Tasks
Keeping tasks straightforward is key. Adjust your approach as you work on each project, which will help clarify where your time is best spent on creativity versus merely filling in necessary details.
In my experience, although each brand manual is distinct, its core structure remains simple and includes essential information that every manual requires. This allows me to focus my efforts on the unique aspects of the project, while the basic elements can be quickly filled in.
Conclusion
I may not consider myself an expert on this topic just yet, but I'm actively working to integrate the DRY principle into my entire design process. Interestingly, I discovered that I was already unconsciously applying it to more routine aspects of my work—such as proposals and contracts. Embracing this change has proven to be an enjoyable journey.