This conference paper presents the motivation, premise, basic ideas and initial proposals for the SLiCE method, a new design methodology aimed at optimizing the performance of plated steel sections. The SLiCE method integrates strain limits into the design of effective sections, allowing for more accurate predictions of the structural behavior under elasto-plastic conditions. Traditionally, plated steel sections have been designed based on either elastic or fully plastic assumptions, which can lead to conservative estimations of load-bearing capacity or, conversely, to insufficient consideration of potential local buckling effects. The proposed method seeks to bridge this gap by accounting for strain limitations and developing a robust, yet practical approach to defining effective widths in elasto-plastic sections. The presented research is based on a detailed investigation of the interaction between local buckling and plasticity, supported by advanced numerical simulations and experimental validation. The study includes parametric analyses of various steel plate geometries and material properties, providing insights into the influence of slenderness and strain hardening on the effective section capacity. The method incorporates these findings into simplified design rules, enabling engineers to more effectively utilize material capacity while maintaining structural safety. Initial results show that the SLiCE method offers improved predictions of load-bearing capacity for plated steel sections compared to existing design approaches, particularly in cases where local buckling interacts with plastic deformations. The research contributes to the ongoing development of performance-based design principles and is expected to have practical implications for the design of steel structures subjected to complex loading conditions. As a conference paper, this publication and the resulting presentation is intended to give a first overview of the SLiCE method to the wider steel structures community. It will conclude with an outlook on ongoing and planned research and the potential integration of the SLiCE method into national and international design codes.