Slow Design

Slow. It’s a taboo word in tech and, well, probably in most boardrooms. Speed = progress...right?! Time = Money....right?!

I’ve been reflecting on the virtue of slowness.

Psychologist Martin Seligman claimed slowness is a component of intelligence and achievement. He wasn’t the first to do so; over 2,000 years ago, Aesop was already highlighting its value in his fable, "The Tortoise and the Hare."

The thing is, slowness gives one time to reflect and be creative. It allows our executive functions to take over and complete ‘heavyweight’ activities.

Of course, it’s not about being slow for the sake of slowness. But giving ourselves intentional moments in our day (away from a screen!) to just let our minds wander, and heaven forbid, sit back and relax for a beat.

And just like its name, don’t expect fast results. Slowness is a virtue, but with practice, you might surprise yourself with what your brain achieves in this time.