Category: Design

“Everything that can be invented has been invented.” – Charles H. Duell, US Commisioner of Patents, 1899

There are a few more patents than there were in 1899.  I’m not sure what the sentiment was that led to this comment but there is a point to be made for the innovator and the entrepreneur.

There’s a good chance that the solution to the problem you are trying to solve has been applied in some other context.  One of the more interesting examples is an athletic shoe designer who applied an idea from a suspension bridge to solve a structure to weight problem.

Shoe Bridge Design

Innovation is not necessarily about invention.  Look around you.  Look above, below and around the problem. Get a different perspective.  Ask people outside the problem. You may find someone has probably already done the work for you.

Standing on Desk

 

BloggingGazelle is published daily by Shawn Carson

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“The fundamental thing that I wish I’d known, is I underestimated the importance of simplicity and design. ” – Evernote CEO Phil Libin

I’m an Apple snob.  I know it.

For me it happened with the iPod somewhere in 2003.  I got my iPad in 2006 and the iPhone and MacBook came in 2010.

There is a very consistent theme in all these products that has led me to become the snob that I am.  I really like the products!  I like the way they look.  I like the way they feel.  I like the experience of opening the package.  I like the in-store experience.  …and I like they way they work.

The one word that describes this experience is – simplicity.

The hard thing about simplicity is the fact that it’s not about cramming the product full of features.  It’s determining which features to employ and more importantly which features NOT to employ.  The other important thing is the design and use of the product so it’s not only easy but the experience of using the product is…, well…,  delightful.

Perfection is not about how much to add.  It’s about having nothing left to take away.

 

 

BloggingGazell is published daily by Shawn Carson