First we shape our tools, then our tools shape us.
The same is true with writing — and our modes of writing.
I agree that writing to think is important, and that putting ideas on paper makes an ephemeral idea "real".
However I disagree that "writing things in a blog post / paulg narrative format to be shared with other internet readers" is the best way to turn ephemeral thoughts into solid ideas.
I think using pen and paper, sketching, drawing, scribbling, writing short-form jot notes, writing on the shower glass while steaming away in the shower — I think those forms of writing are how good ideas get captured and solidified.
The paulg kind of writing is merely an exercise in peacocking to the other HN crowds.
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For designers, the best way is to draw things. If you have a hard time "imagining" a user flow, draw the screens in a flow diagram. If that's hard, draw all the interfaces, cut them out, and put them on a table. Put the pieces on top of each other to approximate how the interface will flow.
Agree. Maybe another way to say it: write when you feel the urge but without worrying about form, time constraints, structure, etc.
Big fan of shower idea in particular. Also, carrying a little notebook at gym and jotting things as they pass through my brain in between or during sets.
The same is true with writing — and our modes of writing.
I agree that writing to think is important, and that putting ideas on paper makes an ephemeral idea "real".
However I disagree that "writing things in a blog post / paulg narrative format to be shared with other internet readers" is the best way to turn ephemeral thoughts into solid ideas.
I think using pen and paper, sketching, drawing, scribbling, writing short-form jot notes, writing on the shower glass while steaming away in the shower — I think those forms of writing are how good ideas get captured and solidified.
The paulg kind of writing is merely an exercise in peacocking to the other HN crowds.
---
For designers, the best way is to draw things. If you have a hard time "imagining" a user flow, draw the screens in a flow diagram. If that's hard, draw all the interfaces, cut them out, and put them on a table. Put the pieces on top of each other to approximate how the interface will flow.