---
title: "Unflattening design - The Intercom Blog"
description: "Design problems are inherently multi-dimensional and require multiple perspectives to understand fully, as a single viewpoint flattens the challenge. The post uses the metaphor of ‘unflattening’ from Nick Sousanis’ graphic novel to argue that designers must break out of habitual, flat viewpoints to see a richer picture. It recommends alternating between open exploration and closed execution, and using techniques like changing context, applying constraints such as mobile-first design which led Uber to strip back to one-button ordering, and zooming in and out on problems to see both details and the big picture. Borrowing mental models from others and externalizing ideas through artifacts like Post-it notes, storyboards, or prototypes helps clear the mind to make room for new insights, as Sousanis explains that recognizing our solitary standpoint is limited. Ultimately, design is a modeling activity that benefits from constantly manipulating and enriching one’s perspective to create better decisions."
---

# Unflattening design - The Intercom Blog

[Intercom](https://yomu.fyi/company/intercom) · Oct 13, 2026

**Type:** Explainer

## Summary

Design problems are inherently multi-dimensional and require multiple perspectives to understand fully, as a single viewpoint flattens the challenge. The post uses the metaphor of ‘unflattening’ from Nick Sousanis’ graphic novel to argue that designers must break out of habitual, flat viewpoints to see a richer picture. It recommends alternating between open exploration and closed execution, and using techniques like changing context, applying constraints such as mobile-first design which led Uber to strip back to one-button ordering, and zooming in and out on problems to see both details and the big picture. Borrowing mental models from others and externalizing ideas through artifacts like Post-it notes, storyboards, or prototypes helps clear the mind to make room for new insights, as Sousanis explains that recognizing our solitary standpoint is limited. Ultimately, design is a modeling activity that benefits from constantly manipulating and enriching one’s perspective to create better decisions.

## Context

Designers often approach problems with a single, flat perspective, missing the multi-dimensional nature of the challenge. This leads to missed opportunities and suboptimal solutions.

## Takeaways

- Design problems are multi-dimensional and require multiple perspectives to understand fully; a single viewpoint flattens the challenge.
- Alternating between open exploration (diverging) and closed execution (converging) is essential, and knowing when to switch is the hardest part.
- Externalizing mental models through artifacts like sketches or prototypes frees the mind to integrate others’ viewpoints.

## FAQ

### What is 'unflattening' in design?

Unflattening is the practice of seeking multiple perspectives to understand the multi-dimensional nature of design problems, inspired by Nick Sousanis' graphic novel. It involves breaking out of habitual, flat viewpoints to see a richer picture.

### How can designers get new perspectives?

Designers can get new perspectives by changing their work context, applying constraints like mobile-first design, zooming in and out on problems, and borrowing mental models from others. These techniques help challenge habits and reveal new angles.

### Why is it important to externalize ideas?

Externalizing ideas through artifacts like Post-it notes, storyboards, or prototypes clears the mind, making room to integrate new insights from others. It prevents premature closure and allows for the incorporation of different viewpoints.

**Tags:** [Design](https://yomu.fyi/topic/design), [Mental Models](https://yomu.fyi/topic/mental-models), [Perspective](https://yomu.fyi/topic/perspective)

- Source: [Intercom](https://www.intercom.com/blog/unflattening-design)
- Source URL: https://www.intercom.com/blog/unflattening-design
- Ingested by Yomu: 2026-10-13T18:00:27.184Z

[Read original post](https://www.intercom.com/blog/unflattening-design)