"When a new challenge appears, it demands fresh ideas. My process begins with immediate hypotheses—some nearly absurd—to broaden the range of possibilities and break away from preconceived solutions. Drawing or sketching lets me quickly explore these potential solutions while keeping them fluid and open. Beyond that, there are other layers to develop: the program, the collaboration with those involved, and thorough study and analysis. One might call this process 'anguish,' though that’s a bit dramatic—after all, we know the problem will be solved, one way or another, just as a writer knows they'll finish their book. This isn’t a blockage; it’s a quest.

Though often associated with the creative industries, we believe the 'blank sheet of paper' is a challenge shared across many fields. What surgeon, confronting a complex case, hasn’t sketched out possible approaches? What lawyer hasn’t turned to paper to outline a strategy, or what engineer hasn’t relied on simple drawings to present an idea to their team? This moment—whether taken literally or as a metaphor—transcends professions. How one faces it, with either anxiety or optimism, is a deeply personal choice, shaped by the individual approaching the challenge.

We thought it worthwhile to share this interview with architect Siza Vieira, as his practical approach to the ‘blank page’ could ease the anxiety of those who view it with apprehension. For Siza, the distress of starting is irrelevant; his focus is purely on finding solutions to the problem at hand. When unsure of where to begin, he suggests concentrating on the problem itself and, like throwing clay at a wall, considering multiple hypotheses. By eliminating options, a path gradually forms—one that may or may not lead to a solution.

Almost instinctively, this is the approach we use to create mock-ups at Softway. Any designer starting here will hear our creative director say, ‘just start by doing it, then we'll see.’ For those feeling stuck, these words can sound harsh, almost like saying, ‘just get on with it.’ But they capture the essence of Siza Vieira’s approach. As Picasso famously put it, ‘Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.’ This mindset has served us well, and if it works here, it’s likely to work across other fields, too.

When you're unsure where to begin, it’s often best to instinctively grab the nearest coffee-stained notepad and a blunt pencil, and just start scribbling. This jumble of thoughts, captured in rough charcoal lines, might just lead somewhere. For those still unconvinced, here are some sketches by our designers and professionals from other fields to show that this approach to problem-solving isn't exclusive to architects.

However, if you’re still looking for ways to break through your creative block, feel free to revisit this article on Softway’s blog.