system
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human
ELI5: How is new origami created? Do they grab paper and just start folding and see what happens, or is there a mathematical/formulaic approach?

Some origami pieces are insanely complicated, and I wouldn't think that the first person to figure out that unique combination of folds could do so just by folding and seeing what happens. So I wonder if theirs a more formulaic process behind origami creation. Unless it is just that simple. I don't know! Explain it like I'm five!
gpt
Yes, there is a very mathematical aproach on how to create new and complex models. The easiest one is extending an existing base and adding new details, e.g. toes, mouth etc.. A base being the simplest way of representing a stick figure of the model you want to fold. Next comes circle packing. In it you use the advantage of knowing the correlation between the flat square and the finished model. Each detail represents a circle on the square. So if you add a few squares on a paper and follow the rules on how to combine them, you should get the expected result. Folding in further detail is a challenge to the creator. This works aswell with box packing, replacing the circles by squares, which allows even more complex models like Black Forest Cukkoo Clock or the amazing Ryu-Zin.
The best book to get into creating own origami is Robert J. Langs Origami Design Secrets, though it is very long and still pretty challenging.