Adaptable Quote by Donald A. Norman
“The best kind of design isn't necessarily an object, a space, or a structure: it's a process- dynamic and adaptable.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Design of Everyday Things (2013)
Design is a dynamic, adaptable process, not just an object or space
In simple terms: Design is a flexible process, not a static thing
Key Takeaway
Embrace iterative, adaptable design methods
Themes
design
process
adaptability
innovation
Mood
analytical
inspirational
Type
educational
professional
When to use this quote
- product development
- architecture
- UX workshops
Key Concepts
human‑centered design
systems thinking
creativity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does process focus affect final product?
- What balances process and outcome?
A Different Perspective
May overlook importance of final form
![“McConnell writes, "In ten years the pendulum has swung from 'design everything' to 'design nothing.' But the alternative to BDUF [Big Design Up Front] isn't no design up front, it's a Little Design Up Front (LDUF) or Enough Design Up Front (ENUF)." This is a strawman argument. The alternative to…” quote by Kent Beck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c34/kent-beck-12533_design_mcconnell-writes-in-ten-years-the-pendul_2467048.jpg)
![“Hypertext makes a virtue out of lack of organization, allowing ideas and thoughts to be juxtaposed at will. [...] The advent of hypertext is apt to make writing much more difficult, not easier. Good writing, that is.” quote by Donald A. Norman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/662/donald-a-norman-6862_advent_hypertext-makes-a-virtue-out-of-lack-of_51804.jpg)
