Mastering ‘The Power of Visual Thinking’ with Hannah Halliday

What makes a great design? Is the process as important as the outcome? These were some of the thought-provoking questions posed by Hannah Halliday, Principal Lecturer for Postgraduate Study at the Nottingham School of Art and Design, Nottingham Trent University.

In an insightful masterclass at ATLAS SkillTech University, Hannah took students on a deep dive into The Power of Visual Thinking: Documenting Your Design Process. She challenged conventional notions of creativity, encouraged students to embrace failure, and emphasised that great design is not just about the final product—it’s about the process behind it.

Is the Design Process a Waste of Time?

Hannah opened the session with a bold question: “Is the design process a waste of time?” While some may be tempted to think so, she quickly debunked the myth. The design process, she explained, is where the real magic happens. It’s the space where ideas evolve, mistakes refine concepts, and true creativity emerges.

Her philosophy was simple yet powerful:
Great design = Visual Thinking + Design Thinking.

She emphasized that design is subjective—unlike math, where there is always a right answer, design is open to interpretation. This makes it both exciting and challenging, as evaluating design cannot be purely objective.

The Genius of Visual Thinking

Hannah introduced the audience to the importance of visual thinking, a concept deeply embedded in the creative process. To illustrate this, she referenced the legendary designer Milton Glaser, who once said:

“We are all born geniuses—it’s like our fairy godmother.”

The idea behind this quote? Children are naturally curious, exploring and questioning everything around them. However, as we grow, we lose this innate curiosity. The design process, Hannah argued, helps us reignite that lost curiosity and rediscover the creative genius within us.

Why Process Matters More Than the Outcome

A recurring theme throughout the masterclass was that the process of design is more valuable than the outcome. Hannah illustrated this point with real-life examples, including a student who spent weeks refining her design—adjusting colors, branding, packaging, and marketing—before ultimately delivering the best pitch and securing a job.

This example underscored a crucial lesson:
Success in design is not about rushing to the finish line; it’s about the journey of refining, iterating, and improving along the way.

Failing Forward: The Reality of Creative Work

A particularly powerful moment in the session came when Hannah addressed failure in the creative industry. She highlighted a campaign that encouraged designers to openly share their failures—turning mistakes into learning experiences.

As creatives, failure is inevitable, but what matters is how we respond to it. Instead of fearing failure, designers should embrace it as a stepping stone to success.

A Masterclass in Perspective

Hannah Halliday’s session wasn’t just about design; it was about rethinking the way we approach creativity. The masterclass left students with a fresh perspective:

• The design process is never a waste of time—it’s where the real work happens.
• Visual thinking is a superpower that fuels creativity and problem-solving.
• Failure is part of the journey, and embracing it leads to growth.

As the session came to a close, it was clear that students walked away not just with new knowledge but with a renewed appreciation for the creative process. Hannah’s insights will continue to inspire them, reminding them that in design, the journey is just as important as the destination.