I don’t have my thoughts all in order for this post, but it’s something I’ve been meaning to write for a while in hopes that I could take my time and write a really good, articulate piece about my thoughts on this topic (slow creating). The irony is that I’m going to type this one out really fast, probably in about 20 minutes (fast creating).

Thinking Fast and Slow – Daniel Kahneman talks about two systems of thinking: fast and slow, from which I can draw parallels in the creative world.

System 1

Kahneman describes system 1, “fast thinking”, as our brains’ unconscious, and instantaneous response to situations and stimuli. It’s a “gut reaction”, an intuition, a first response. System 1 is knowing how to tie your shoelaces without a second thought or instinctively hopping over a puddle on a sidewalk.

I see Fast Creating as creating for expression. It’s a quick rapid prototyping or experiments. It’s pen to paper, bridging the gap from idea to output as quick as possible. Some mediums are more conducive to fast creating (pens and paper, for one).

System 2

System 2, is “slow thinking”. It’s the slow, effortful, and logical mode in which our brains operate, especially when solving more complicated problems (how I would’ve liked to approach this writing exercise). System 2 thinking is used when looking for a friend in a crowd, or determining the quality-to-value ratio of your take-out lunch.

Slow Creating uses the element of time in an idea’s realization. It’s a long and drawn out, a form of creating that appreciates the cumulative effects of time and effort. It follows idea in it’s seed stage but often isn’t what the idea first set out to be because of it’s slowness.

System 1 & 2

Like Kahneman, I find both systems extremely valuable. It’s my natural tendency to be a slow creator. I lean towards an intentional process, one that allows me to get as close to what I imagine in my head. Although, I am openly quite jealous of my friends who make quick sketches and rapid prototypes. There is freedom, and a lack of paralysis. It’s also a marker of time, rather than a slow creation which evolves over time.

Kahneman also talks about how slow thinking is a “rational” form of fast thinking. Which just means both systems often lead to the same outcome. Most instincts are proven right after deliberation (or justification) Intuition vs. Intention.

However, Kahneman also argues that both these thinking processes can happen at the same time. Our brains rely on both forms of thinking to solve complex problems or complete a task. Reading this post, for example, involves both system 1 (for quickly scanning the letters and perceiving them as words) and system 2 (for understanding the meaning behind what I’m trying to say, although often nonsensical).

This post, too, is an example of slow and fast creating working together. It’s one that I have taken my time to ideate and not a lot of time to write.