Amy Hoy on interface patterns and pattern libraries:
Consider creative writing, which is a much better parallel to interface design than architecture. When you write, you can do anything. You choose words, rhythms and structure to communicate your ideas, not just what you say. You still need to hold up a coherent thread, and help the reader to follow along, just like with a good interface design. But you have, as it were, endless possibilities when you face the blank page.
I think Amy’s spot-on here. Patterns are the fallback for interactions when you don’t have anything better, but shouldn’t be the initial go-to.
This seems like an “it depends” argument to me. I see the point trying to be made, but it seems a little one-sided.
If one starts from an established pattern and embellishes it, as opposed to starting with a fresh idea and refining it (possibly from a usability perspective… but for whatever reason), it is possible the same end result could be obtained.
In terms of creative writing, the author has to lead the reader along the path of the plot… meaning some underlying foundation has to be in place.
It's fine to start from an abstract place as long as the conditions are right for it. If you're working on a budget, deadline, or for an established entity, using the pattern/embellishment technique may be better as the initial go-to.