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That I expect them to break the rules and to climb up to…

“That I expect them to break the rules and to climb up to the highest branch and saw it off behind them. I tell them that risk and open-ended problems are what we do in design. Design is a problem-solving methodology not a ‘task’ and this will be hard because they have only had tasks so far in…” quote by Julie Lythcott-Haims
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““That I expect them to break the rules and to climb up to the highest branch and saw it off behind them. I tell them that risk and open-ended problems are what we do in design. Design is a problem-solving methodology not a ‘task’ and this will be hard because they have only had tasks so far in their education.””

Julie Lythcott-Haims

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker encourages breaking rules and tackling open‑ended problems, framing design as a methodology beyond simple tasks, and warns of difficulty due to prior task‑focused learning.

In simple terms: Design is problem‑solving beyond routine tasks.

Key Takeaway

Embrace risk and complex challenges in design.

Themes

design risk creativity learning education

Mood

instructive motivational

Type

educational professional

When to use this quote

  • classroom projects
  • design studios
  • team brainstorming
  • innovation labs
  • career development

Key Concepts

problem‑solving methodology open‑ended challenges educational reform

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you foster comfort with ambiguity?
  • What support helps transition from tasks to design thinking?
A Different Perspective

Students may resist uncertainty.

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