This is a tough question. I believe that all of us have a creative spirit, and the ability to create. The design process in the workbook is a creative process, broken down into small steps. Each step is explained, and an example is given. It is the place to hold and organize your creativity, so that you can better see the connections and bring it to fulfillment. Taken one small step at time, in your own time, I think that it will help you design something remarkable. You may eventually decide that design isn't the best expression of your creativity. You could consider it like trying a new instrument, learning to paint, or taking up photography. There is an expression that best fits your creative spirit, and design could very well be it. It is definitely worth a try!

My first goal is to release the workbook and masterclass. Then, I will release about one video per week, covering different aspects of the design process. I'll be active in the forum as well, which will be a good place for design process feedback.

The process is centered on the Functional Map, which was taught to me by a visiting professor. It's a way to break down a big problem into a lot of small problems, in a systems approach. I assembled the remaining steps over time, as I looked for solutions to specific problems within the design process. The process now is sufficient and efficient: enough steps to create remarkable designs, with no extra steps to waste time or duplicate work.

This depends on how complex your design is, how experienced you are as a designer, and how many hours per week you can dedicate to design. The table of contents is also a schedule, which maps the process out over 24 weeks. This is reasonable for a medium size design. Creativity works over time, and there is a lot to do. Rushing design only causes delays later. That being said, if your design is very simple, I could imagine working through the process in a few weeks.

I have consulted in the past and would like to again. I am a Mechanical Engineer (P.Eng., M.A.Sc.) and have worked both with industry and consumers. With a business partner, I ran my own company for 15 years, so I also know the very practical side of entrepreneurship. Improving the design process used in a company creates better products, in less time overall, and with less money. It reduces errors and problems after launch. It is better for your users and customers. I'm with Seth Godin: "Make things better by making better things." The next few months are going to be busy, while I launch HEROIC DESIGN and teach at UBC. But drop me a line here, and we can have coffee. Best, Chris McLean