Why your brain is so good at rewriting history: Canva's Five Year Journey to Launch

Why your brain is so good at rewriting history: Canva's Five Year Journey to Launch

Memory is a fascinating aspect of human cognition. It not only helps us recall past events but also influences how we perceive and remember them. One interesting phenomenon related to memory is our brain's ability to rewrite history. This tendency is rooted in the way our memory functions and the frameworks it creates to make sense of the world around us.

A core function of memory is to provide us with information we are likely to need in a particular situation. To achieve this, our brains develop schemas, which are frameworks that help predict the sequence of events and the reasons behind our actions. Schemas are like mental templates that we use to structure our memories. However, relying on schemas can sometimes lead us to misremember the order of events or the specific details of a situation.

For example, in a work setting, we often have schemas for different tasks and responsibilities. When we reflect on past experiences, our memories may be influenced by these schemas, causing us to remember things in a way that aligns with our expectations. This can result in a biased view of our contributions to a project or the significance of certain events.

Another factor that contributes to the rewriting of history in our memory is the incorporation of external information. Things we hear or learn about after an event can mix with our visual memories of the event itself. This blending of information can alter our recollection of what actually happened, leading to a distorted version of the past.

Understanding the mechanisms behind the rewriting of history in our memory can have implications for various aspects of life, including personal relationships, decision-making, and even storytelling. Recognizing the potential for biases in our memories can help us approach situations with a more open mind and avoid jumping to conclusions based on our own reconstructed versions of events.

Now let's shift our focus to Canva, a popular online design platform, and delve into its five-year journey to launch. Canva technically launched in fall 2013, but it wasn't immediately available to everyone. Instead, users were asked to reserve a username and join a waitlist, which quickly grew to 50,000 people before the official public debut.

To generate buzz within the design community and other groups in need of design help, Canva reached out to blogs, podcasts, and conferences. They offered "early access" to their audiences, aiming to get them to publish reviews and spread the word about the platform. This strategic approach helped create anticipation and build a loyal user base even before the product was widely available.

However, launching a complex product like Canva was no easy feat. The team behind Canva understood the importance of simplicity and ease of use. They developed a "how-to" guide that new users had to go through before entering the product. This guide helped users familiarize themselves with the platform and boosted their confidence in using it effectively.

In addition to the guide, Canva also implemented starter challenges to further assist users in getting acclimated to the platform. These challenges involved simple tasks like changing the color of a circle or adding a hat to a monkey. By starting with these small and achievable tasks, users gained confidence in their design skills and were more likely to continue exploring Canva's features.

One of the key factors that contributed to Canva's success was the viral nature of its use cases. By providing Facebook templates, Canva encouraged users to invite their colleagues to collaborate on designs. When users posted their creations on Facebook, others would be intrigued and inquire about how they made such impressive graphics. This word-of-mouth effect helped Canva gain traction and attract more users.

During the company's first holiday season, Canva collaborated with artists to create over 30 templates for beautiful digital cards. These templates were primarily distributed via Facebook and email, creating a loop that funneled users back to Canva. This strategic move not only increased user engagement but also showcased the versatility of the platform and its potential for various design needs.

In conclusion, our brain's tendency to rewrite history is influenced by the schemas we develop and the incorporation of external information. Understanding this phenomenon can help us approach our memories with a critical mindset and avoid biases in our recollection of events. Similarly, Canva's journey to launch teaches us the importance of simplicity, user confidence, and strategic marketing in building a successful product. By incorporating these actionable insights into our own endeavors, we can increase the chances of achieving our goals and making a lasting impact.