Research And Context

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My project explores creative block and how it affects a creative person’s ability to begin or develop work. The aim of the brief was to produce a resource that helps alleviate creative block or provides a starting point for users who feel unsure where to begin. I interpreted this as a need for a physical, visual tool that users can engage with directly, leading me to develop a book that combines inspiration with guided prompts.

To support my direction, I researched whether a digital or physical format would be more effective, as well as how interaction could be incorporated into the experience. Studies suggest that physical books offer a more immersive and focused mode of engagement, allowing users to absorb information more deeply (Artushin, 2024). This informed my decision to create a physical resource rather than a digital one. Instead of producing a workbook with fixed spaces for responses, I designed a book that presents inspiration alongside prompts, allowing users to respond independently and without pressure.

Historical and contemporary design references played a key role in shaping the visual language of the project. Swiss Style influenced my approach to layout, encouraging the use of clean structure, strong typography, and clear hierarchy. This was particularly important for users experiencing creative block, as clarity and simplicity help reduce cognitive overload. I also explored Surrealism, particularly techniques such as automatic drawing and writing, which encourage spontaneous idea generation (Tate, 2023). This connection to subconscious creativity aligned closely with my aim of reducing pressure and encouraging experimentation.

To further develop my ideas, I examined existing physical media used for inspiration, such as sketchbooks and interactive journals. Wreck This Journal was especially influential due to its low‑pressure prompts and emphasis on active participation. This reinforced the value of prompts as a way to guide users without restricting them. As a result, I developed a structure where each spread introduces an artist or designer, followed by a prompt that users can complete in their own time.

This research established a strong foundation for the project, informing both the conceptual direction and the visual approach.