Intuition in Design and Planning by Devashree Roychowdhury Intuition is an integral part of human thinking. The nature of the human brain is inherently intuitive even if we as human beings are not aware of it and its usage in our everyday lives. Intuitive processing is subliminal and arbitrary. The potential of the human mind can be tapped by the intentional use of intuiting. In the case of planners, this can lead to astounding concept and vision development, finding solutions to everyday problems of cities and elucidations to development issues. Intuition can empower planners and designers with a tool that can help them shape their imaginations, research and understanding. The power of intuition is what goes beyond conscious reasoning used for argumentation. Intuition is considered to be an important tool for all designers and planners. “It is an integral part of human thinking and, together with reasoning faculties, it forms the basis of thinking. Even in everyday life, all individuals need intuitive faculties, but in complex cognitive tasks, such as visioning, creating and problem-solving, the role of intuition is fundamental. Even though intuition is superior to conscious reasoning in some specific situations, these different modes of thinking can often be best utilized when combined.” (Rami, 2015) The role of intuition in creativity needs to be explored which remains comparatively under- researched compared to other areas of intuition (Viktor Dorfler, 2012). To seek design opportunities intuition-led approach is preferred by most designers and planners. Intuition in design and planning is of utmost significance and much of it comes from certain characteristics people in the field exhibit in creative thinking. (Durling, 1999) The designs and plans that are easy to use and understandable without consciously thinking are called intuitive. “While there is no standard definition, some research groups have worked towards building a clearer understanding of the term “intuitive design.” Members of the interdisciplinary research group Intuitive Use of User Interfaces argue that intuition is not a feature of the design, instead intuitive use is a characteristic of the interaction process between a specific user and the design. So, if we are to evaluate whether a design is intuitive, we must also think about who will use the design.” (Foundation, p. 2018) The design and planning process is considered one of the most challenging cognitive tasks as it requires multidimensional use of the highest perceptive skills. The designing and planning process is an amalgamation of conceptual, factual and inconsequential dimensions that needs the collaboration of all sensory organs to come up with an inclusive futuristic plan for the development of cities and regions. Design is not merely about dealing with tangible entities, but includes representations, methods, or systems that can be as wide-ranging as designing the edifices of nations. “Together with the natural world around us, these designs create the world’s current reality”. Intuition as a tool is the key to fostering these plans and designs. (Rami, 2015)