Thinking about things is using a medium to formulate an expression. Grammar, syntax, norms. These tools for creating novel expressions of the medium itself. Algorithms, data types and containers, device drivers, protocols, fundamental objects of a mode of interaction, I could go on, but these are a few things that strike me as being to code what poetry is to written language. A tool for thinking has codified norms and rules but generally a limited interface because the more complex the interface, the more limited the possibilities for expression. We limit the interfacing mechanics because to do so frees the mind. A tool for making something on the other hand has an intentionally limited interface, because we’re primarily concerned with having blocks of functionality be legible to us. It’s that last word that sums up what I think designers and non-traditional technical people need to have.