They say there is nothing quite as scary as a blank page. The adage originates with writing, of course, and I know something about that too, but it holds up particularly in this context with regard to design.

A simple pointer for packaging design gained unexpectedly from a museum visit.

Then there is the act or process of designing. This, in a way, is a considerably more interesting notion of design, for it represents how we think, collaborate, conceive, consider and deliver – it is our minds at work combined in a judicious and creative way.

A (self-indulgent) look at some connections between design and jazz.

The nature of the design business and the remaining pleasure over technical aspects of my work see me enjoy ‘Lindsay Fox’ moments every now and again. Actually, quite often.

Clearly, investing 200 hours of time into a strategy for a small and short-term project might be out of proportion, as might be the converse situation of not enough strategy for a major project. But the good news is the activities behind the thinking can be varied to suit, and flex according to scope – the variables are those of breadth and depth.