February 2016 Summaries

The text highlights the tendency for product people to focus on the latest trends and technologies, rather than taking a more considered approach. This "Next Big Thing-ism" is driven by FOMO and often results in products that are not well-thought-out or sustainable. In contrast, a more humble approach involves designing products that can gradually steer us towards a future that's still unwritten, allowing for real progress to be made through honest problem-solving. Ultimately, the goal is to create products that belong to the future we want to live in, rather than predicting it.

Unflattening design refers to gaining new perspectives on design by considering different viewpoints, constraints, and mental models. Design problems are not flat but rather complex with multiple dimensions that introduce new constraints and opportunities. To overcome the limitations of a flat perspective, designers need to switch between open and closed mindsets, being naive and confident at different stages. Variation in work context, tools, and people can bring new perspectives, while constraints like mobile-first design or random behavioral triggers can also be effective. By zooming in and out, exploring smaller problems within larger systems, and borrowing mental models from others, designers can unflatten their perspectives and create better design decisions. Ultimately, design is a modeling activity that involves defining and sharing mental models with users and colleagues, and constantly pushing to unflatten one's perspective.

When working on product development and design, starting from first principles is crucial to find innovative solutions. This concept involves stripping away existing biases and constraints to understand a problem from scratch, without assuming any preconceived notions. By going back to the basics, you can identify new opportunities for improvement and create more effective solutions. This approach is exemplified by Elon Musk's story, who challenged conventional wisdom in the space industry to develop revolutionary technologies. The concept is also related to qualitative research methods, such as peeling an onion or using "The 5 Whys" technique, which involve iterative questioning to uncover deeper insights and human motivations.