A simpler model for innovation
I’ve spent the last few years surrounded by startups, working at Techstars Chicago with their 2014 and 2015 classes as a Hackstar, taking classes at the Raikes School at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and working on my own startup, Omnipointment.
After learning about and observing tech startups for some time, I want to propose a simpler model for innovation.
First Principles Thinking + Due Diligence → Novel solutions
That’s it.
By due diligence, I mean leaving no stone unturned. Make sure you explore each possibility to the extent that you can determine it’s not worth exploring any more.
First principles thinking is a way of approaching problems that minimizes your assumptions. First principles are ideas that aren’t dependent on any other assumptions. By using first principles thinking, you create your own knowledge starting from what you know is true.
Novel solutions are the innovations. The new ideas that revolutionize how a problem is solved.
This model is significant because it describes the process of innovation rather than a definition. Additionally, first principles thinking and due diligence are habits of mind, not todo lists. You can train yourself to be innovative, and you can change your existing problem solving processes to encourage these innovative processes.
Eliminating bias and minimizing assumptions
The goal of this model is twofold: it seeks to eliminate any biases you might bring to the table, and to minimize the assumptions you have about the problem you’re solving.
First principles thinking makes you go back to square one and reason logically about what you know to be true about the problem you’re solving. It’s hard to be biased when you deal only with facts and truths.
Due diligence leads you to explore each opportunity as if it might be the best. Any assumptions you have about your problem, your solution, your customer, user, friend, whoever — they all need to be tested and proven true. Do your future self a favor. Use your due diligence now to ensure the assumption that an opportunity isn’t worth pursuing isn’t a fatal one.
Novel solutions
Innovations in the internet age — Facebook, the iPhone, SpaceX’s rockets — didn’t spontaneously exist. They’re the result of processes and habits of mind, like first principles thinking and due diligence, and years of collaboration and smart minds working together to create something great. No one said innovation was easy. It just doesn’t have to be so hard to understand.
Hi, I’m Brendan. I enjoy thinking and problem solving. Most of all, I believe in the power of each individual to do something great. That’s why my writing is short and tries to introduce you to a new idea, or a familiar idea in a different light. What great thing will you do today?
