Flexing the Mind
This is a very basic process I follow at the beginning of a new design: sketch as many as possible smaller diagrams of the same scale to bring out most of the ideas on paper that are whirling in mind at that moment. Mostly done by pen on sketchbook. It gives me the hang of the place and space. This childlike free scribbling empties my mind to absorb more. I find it a great way of letting go of any preconceived notion.