The First Secret of Great Design: Looking Broadly, Looking Closely, and Thinking Younger

The First Secret of Great Design: Looking Broadly, Looking Closely, and Thinking Younger

As human beings, we have a tendency to become accustomed to everyday things very quickly. This process, known as habituation, allows us to focus on new experiences and learn about different things. However, there are times when habituation can hinder our ability to notice problems and make improvements in our lives. Tony Fadell, a renowned product designer, shares his insights on how to overcome this challenge in his TED Talk, "The First Secret of Great Design."

Fadell's first tip is to look broader. When faced with a problem, it's essential to take a step back and examine the bigger picture. Often, there are multiple steps leading up to the problem that can be changed or eliminated altogether. By reevaluating the entire process, we can find innovative solutions and make things better.

The second tip offered by Fadell is to look closer. By focusing on the tiny details that we may overlook or take for granted, we can identify areas that can be improved or eliminated. By questioning the importance of these details and challenging the status quo, we can uncover new possibilities for design and problem-solving.

Fadell's last piece of advice is to think younger. Children, who haven't been exposed to certain things for as long as adults, approach problems with fresh perspectives. They are not bound by the limitations of habituation and can often find better solutions. Fadell suggests having young people or individuals with young minds on your team to encourage everyone to think outside the box and embrace a more youthful mindset.

This concept of thinking younger aligns with the idea presented in the book "Innovation: The Five Disciplines for Creating What Customers Want." The book emphasizes that innovation often comes from younger individuals or those from different domains. These individuals see problems from different frameworks and perspectives, allowing them to approach challenges with a fresh mindset.

Pablo Picasso once said, "Every child is an artist. The problem is when he or she grows up, is how to remain an artist." This quote resonates with the idea of thinking younger and encourages us to maintain a childlike curiosity and creativity throughout our lives.

Incorporating these three tips into our lives and work can lead to great design and innovation. By looking broader, we can identify areas for improvement and make significant changes. Looking closer allows us to challenge conventional wisdom and find new solutions. Finally, thinking younger brings fresh perspectives and encourages us to approach problems with open minds.

Before concluding, let's recap the three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Look broader: Take a step back and examine the bigger picture. Identify the steps leading up to a problem and consider if any changes can be made to improve the overall process.

2. Look closer: Pay attention to the tiny details that may go unnoticed. Question the importance of these details and challenge the way things have always been done. This can lead to innovative solutions and improvements.

3. Think younger: Embrace a youthful mindset and surround yourself with young people or individuals with young minds. Their fresh perspectives and lack of habituation can inspire innovative thinking and lead to better outcomes.

In conclusion, overcoming habituation and embracing a fresh perspective is essential for great design and innovation. By looking broader, looking closer, and thinking younger, we can break free from the limitations of habituation and discover new possibilities. As Tony Fadell and Picasso suggest, maintaining a childlike curiosity and creativity is key to remaining an artist throughout our lives. So, let's challenge ourselves to incorporate these actionable tips into our daily lives and unlock our full creative potential.