[quoting Solomon, 5 Dec 98] If we conjured up the computer game that brought more people to this condition than any other, would we find that a similar flow condition happened an unusually high portion of the time for the game's authors? How did they feel while they were working on it? Was it a sustained flow state? Should we expect the designers to reach a maximum flow condition while building the product in order for the product to bring about a similar condition for the users?
I really hadn't given any thought to the designers being part of the flow experience during design, but it is surely possible that they could be. I know that there have been times when working on a product when I have been completely in the zone, but I me being in the zone has necessarily made me create an environment that may be more likely to engender flow.
Is there a pattern in the design process where there are periods of inspired enthusiasm? If there is such a pattern, is there a best time in the cycle to reach this level?
That is a very good question. I would say it likely depends on a number of factors. For some people, like myself, I like to think I work better under pressure, so for me that might be near the end of the process. For others it would likely be different. I would like to pass the question on to those of you who spend more terminal time on a project then I do these days. Are there times when you are more creative than others in design and development?