Getting “Unstuck”: A Simple Way to Keep Moving Forward in Design & Technology

We’ve all been there—staring at our work, unsure of what to do next, frustrated by the feeling of being stuck. 

Whether it’s a design that doesn’t seem to work, a question that you can’t answer, or just not knowing how to proceed, the mental block can feel overwhelming. 

But here’s the good news: being stuck is temporary. The solution is simpler than you think. 

It’s about taking action, and when you do, you’ll not only break free from that stuck state but also gain confidence in your ability to keep moving forward.

What to Do When You are “Stuck”

1. If you find yourself stuck, write the statement or question that’s in your head on the paper.

2. If it’s a statement, rephrase it as a question starting with ‘Why’.

3. Read the question and find the answer.

This way, you act. Immediately, you are unstuck.

Remember: By becoming angry, blaming yourself for not knowing, showing anxiety, or worrying about your stuck state, you remain stuck.

Examples:

1. Starting with a Question:

• Question: “What do I do next?”

• Action: Write it down. Break it into smaller steps: “What are the last few things I did?” and “What options do I have to move forward?” 

This assessment will guide you in identifying the next logical step in your project.

• Another Question: “I don’t know if this is correct or good enough.”

• Action: Rephrase this as: “Why am I unsure if this is correct?” or “What criteria should I use to evaluate if this is good enough?” This prompts you to either clarify the standards you need to meet or seek feedback from your teacher.

2. Starting with a Statement:

• Statement: “I don’t know what to do.”

• Action: Rephrase it as a question: “Why don’t I know what to do?” From here, you’ll be able to pinpoint what specific knowledge or action is missing, allowing you to take the next step confidently.

• Another Statement: “This design isn’t working.”

• Action: Rephrase as: “Why isn’t this design working?” This helps you identify the specific problem with your design—whether it’s the functionality, materials, or something else—and guides you towards a solution.

Conclusion:

This post is about equipping you with tools that make you independent, creative, and resilient. When you understand how to get unstuck and keep moving forward, you’re learning how to tackle any challenge that comes your way.

These principles may seem simple, but they will take you far—giving you the confidence to explore, innovate, and solve problems without relying on someone else to tell you what to do. 

In design, as in life, the key is to act. And when you do, you’ll find that you can go further than you ever thought possible.

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