Creative Essentials
David Kelley's 50 years at Stanford and what he learned from students and collaborators
David Kelley's Creative Essentials
In honor of David Kelleyās 50th year at Stanford, we aim to share some of the wisdom he has gathered during his career so farāhis ways of thinking and what his students take away when they chat with him in office hours. We call theseĀ Creative Essentials. Theyāre principles, both personal and professional, that help build creative potential.
David loves to see people light up when they adoptāand adaptāthese ideas. He is particularly pleased when they become a provocation for others to noticeĀ their own creative essentialsāand define them for themselves.
Stay tuned as we share more stories of each essential from this collection.
š¤ Build the stage for others to perform.
This is core to David. Both IDEO and the d.school are stages he has built. The success of both has depended on his creating a space in which others could shine and thrive in their own way.Ā
š See what you can get away with.
Assumptions and self-imposed limits hold us back. But they also keep us safe. An attitude of seeing what you can get away with, sounds a bit mischievous (and it is) but itās also taking responsibility for creating possibility.Ā
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š Everything with intention (or give great gifts).
Most designers worth their salt will tell you that design is an art of relentless intention. David learned this from legendary Stanford art professor Matt Kahn who drilled it into David (and all of his students) through critique. David takes it a step further, weaving intention into everything he does, from deliverables to presents.Ā
š„Ŗ Enjoy every sandwich (or slice of pizza).
This one means what it says. Take pleasure in life. If you donāt take your pleasure seriously, why should anyone else?
š ļø Donāt procrastinate ā prototype.
The magic here is in ābuilding to think.ā When in doubt, a prototype is a vehicle to test your assumptions, work out ideas, and get new data so you can move onto the next moment you feel like procrastinating (and decide to prototype again).Ā
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We'd love to hear your creative essentials.
Every one of Davidās creative essentials comes from experience, colleagues, students, and mentors. As we build this library of essentials, weād love to hear from you! How do these principles show up in your work? What are your creative essentials that you keep in your toolbox? Share your story with us and connect with other designers. Use #MyCreativeEssentials on LinkedIn and Instagram.