Triangulation

I find myself using this word in conversations a lot recently. I don’t remember the first time it popped up, or even the second; but by the third time I heard myself say it I thought to myself, “Ahh. Yes.” The word represents a natural progression of the learnings and strategies I’ve used over time, now moving from the background and into my consciousness as a truth of what we do in design.

The definition of triangulation involves mathematical constructs and measurements that don’t read well in prose form. It’s the essence of the definition, rather, that moves me: establishing the relationship and position of two or more points (ideas, constructs, systems, etc.) by thoughtful consideration of their very juxtaposition. If “convergence” is the uber-design of today, then triangulation is the process that makes it happen.

What I really mean to point out is less a comment on the idea of convergent design, but more a nod to what it means to be a designer right now. I once believed that being a designer was about being a specialist, but now I’m in the camp that believes designers should be generalists with specialist skills. Likely this is somewhat influenced by working in a consultancy, where each new program presents a new and unique challenge and opportunity; nonetheless, for me, design has always been about problem solving. Problem solving is the meta-methodology that allows me to move across domains, industries and design problems and create successful solutions.

When I say “problem solving,” what do you imagine? A nicely constructed, detailed and contained scenario or question? Maybe. But design is inherently messy. The problem stated is often not the true question, and part of what we do is tease apart the assumptions and hidden conditions to understand the greater scope. Once there, we have to build out our world of inquiry. We sometimes seek the analogous stories that offer a tilted perspective. We often need to research users and their habits, desires, quirks. Inevitably and necessarily there are business factors to consider: feasibility, market share, growth.

But the building out of our world of inquiry is only half of the equation. The seeking out of those possible points of inspiration and direction certainly makes for a rich conceptual space. But it’s the triangulation of those points that hones and sharpens the design solution. Knowing the benefits of your research methodologies, understanding the value of data, bowing to the creative muse, and then being able to hack away, prioritize, clarify and refine.

It’s the quest to explore, juxtapose, assess and make meaning that leads to that most important moment where we move from thinking to designing, and it’s the beauty and nuance of triangulated knowledge that brings us there.