When facing time constraints, the first thing to do is to focus on the core elements. Work very closely with your colleagues working on Art and Development, not losing sight of the core interactions and game design if you are not a solo dev. Making a fast blockout to have an overview of how the elements will work with each other helps to set the level and it's mood faster and better. And don't forget, pen and paper first always helps too! Iteration is your best friend.

Level design has never really been my strongest point, but I can say this: Utilizing rapid prototyping techniques can significantly enhance efficiency without sacrificing creativity. Designers should consider creating a library of reusable assets and design patterns. Implementing a flexible workflow that allows for quick iterations and adjustments can maintain creative flow. Collaborating with other team members, such as artists and programmers, early in the process can lead to innovative solutions and time-saving synergies. Regular playtesting sessions with diverse groups can provide valuable insights for refining designs quickly. #aigamepreneur

When I start designing a level, a flood of ideas comes to mind, and I want to make it as detailed and engaging as possible. However, it’s not always feasible to include everything, especially with time constraints. Therefore, I focus on the core mechanics and objectives of the level first, ensuring they are fun and functional. Then I gradually add creative details that enrich the environment without compromising the technical aspects or the timeline. By being selective and strategic, I can maintain both creativity and technicality at their peak, resulting in a well-rounded level design that meets deadlines while still being engaging for players.

Time constraints is not related to creativity by any sense, so I don't think that balancing both of them with quality result is practically possible.

Una de las opciones es ser más técnico en los niveles iniciales, que sirven para acercar al jugador a los core loops y que además son los más probablemente usados por la mayor parte de jugadores, y después ir liberando la creatividad en niveles superiores que van a llegar menos jugadores y también es menos necesario asegurar la información y aprendizaje que es necesario.

Concept iterate the first draft, include your 1-3 unique features/art-pieces/unique-level identifier, and plan your schedule wisely to include the unique features and a polish pass