The general strategy[1] is to make sure what you're designing fits into an existing design pattern. It should be rare for you to have a situation where you're not within the confines of a well-known, well-understood design pattern. The sooner you become familiar with patterns, the more rapidly solutions that fit those patterns will come about in your head. The solutions will also feel less ugly, since you're essentially still being conventional.
You should be able to describe, in English, what design pattern you're using to come up with a fix.
[1] I didn't say this was a perfect strategy, but I think it helps.[2]
The general strategy[1] is to make sure what you're designing fits into an existing design pattern. It should be rare for you to have a situation where you're not within the confines of a well-known, well-understood design pattern. The sooner you become familiar with patterns, the more rapidly solutions that fit those patterns will come about in your head. The solutions will also feel less ugly, since you're essentially still being conventional.
You should be able to describe, in English, what design pattern you're using to come up with a fix.
[1] I didn't say this was a perfect strategy, but I think it helps.[2]
[2] Well, it helps me anyway. :-)