Below is this week’s list of materials. For the full module resource list, please refer to Talis Resource List. We encourage you to also go beyond and carry out your own independent research into themes delivered. Do not forget to use the Ideas Wall to share new ideas and thoughts.
In his talk “How to Think Like a Designer”, Michael Bierut explores the mindset and practices that define effective designers. Rather than presenting design as an elusive, purely creative talent, he frames it as a disciplined approach to problem-solving that combines curiosity, observation, and careful consideration of context. Bierut draws on his extensive experience in graphic design, illustrating how thoughtful decisions, rather than flashes of inspiration, lead to meaningful and effective design outcomes. The talk demystifies design, emphasizing that good work comes from methodical thinking, attention to audience needs, and working within practical constraints.
Bierut aims to clarify what it truly means to “think like a designer.” He challenges the common assumption that creativity is a spontaneous, magical process and instead positions it as the result of disciplined practice and critical thinking. He wants the audience to understand that design is a tool for communication and problem-solving, and that it thrives on questioning assumptions, embracing constraints, and iterating solutions. Through his talk, he also seeks to inspire designers to cultivate curiosity, pay attention to the world around them, and approach projects with both rigor and openness to learning.
Bierut communicates his ideas primarily through storytelling and case studies drawn from his own career. He shares experiences from branding, signage, and identity projects, showing how practical challenges can shape creative solutions. He reflects on his personal journey into graphic design, including the habits and mental frameworks he developed, such as careful observation, sketching ideas, and thinking critically about how information is presented visually. Bierut also emphasizes a reflective approach: observing existing designs, analyzing what works and what does not, and applying those lessons to new challenges. His method highlights the combination of disciplined process with continual curiosity.
The talk reveals that effective design is rooted in observation, context, and intentionality rather than mere talent or inspiration. Constraints, whether in budget, medium, or client requirements, are not obstacles but essential tools that guide creativity. Bierut emphasizes that many design problems already have precedents in the world, so designers are often improving, clarifying, or reframing rather than inventing entirely new forms. Additionally, maintaining a broad base of knowledge and continually engaging with ideas, visuals, and culture strengthens a designer’s ability to respond thoughtfully to challenges. Communication and clarity for the end user are central; design is only successful if it serves its intended audience effectively.
From his examples and reflections, Bierut concludes that adopting a designer’s mindset requires discipline, curiosity, and attentiveness to the world. By using constraints as guides, asking critical questions, and iterating solutions, designers can produce work that is both functional and meaningful. Good design emerges when process and craft intersect, producing clarity and improving experiences for users. The talk reinforces that design is fundamentally about problem-solving and communication, not about decoration or self-expression alone.