Freedom vs. Limitations in Design

Ever finding yourself complaining of having too many limitations for your next design project? The writers of graphicdesignblog have devised a list of drawbacks for each. Below, I highlight the top three of each...

Downsides of design freedom:

Time consuming - Lack of restrictions enables a designer to think of more concepts. More concepts means more choices and more choices mean more time. 

Getting away from the subject - Designers can sometimes find themselves consumed in the brainstorming process, while continuing to step away from the main topic. 

The Regret Factor - “If only I had chosen the other design.” The more design options, the greater the dissonance.

Downsides of design limitations:

Cramps creativity - Many designers find that excessive limitations cramp their style - and their creativity. Designers require a little wiggle room for that dynamic idea to take form. 

Boredom ensues - "A designer bound by design limitations is like a lion trapped inside a cage." If a creative person continues to find him/herself in cramped design quarters, boredom will enter. 

Slows the process - Limitations create hoops for designers to jump through, which serves to slow the growth as a designer.