It certainly can be, although it doesnt have to be if you are willing to do a bunch of planning ahead of time.
With my contest novel, I'm literally just making things up as I go. Walking blind is a great analogy. Some writers thrive in this environment. I do okay, but it's not my preferred style.
ClockRev I'm actually planning. I've written out the histories and motivations of characters, the broad strokes of historical events, and the basics of how magic and technology work. I also have a general idea of a couple major plot points. But, I still walk in darkness, using these things as a lamp and waiting to discover all sorts of interesting things on my way to where I'm going. This is the best technique for myself personally.
Some people literally outline every chapter, have detailed backstories and motivations for every character, plot every single event in the story from start to finish, and detail the oral history of every fucking tree branch in the world before they write a single line of the actual story. That works for them. I can't be nearly that detailed because it feels like I'm strangling the story when I do that.
It just takes trying different methods and seeing what you like best. I lean towards spontaneity with some guidance, but you may be different. Try other methods and see.