Operating Principle

2–4 min read

Cheap Prototypes Beat Thorough Plans for Novel Ideas

Cheap Prototypes Beat Thorough Plans for Novel Ideas

Cheap Prototypes Beat Thorough Plans for Novel Ideas

A cheap prototype teaches more about novelty than an extensive written plan.

A cheap prototype teaches more about novelty than an extensive written plan.

A cheap prototype teaches more about novelty than an extensive written plan.

Prototypes expose untested assumptions before planning turns them into commitments.

Prototypes expose untested assumptions before planning turns them into commitments.

Prototypes expose untested assumptions before planning turns them into commitments.

Prototypes expose untested assumptions before planning turns them into commitments.

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Operating Question

What assumption, incentive, capability, or handoff is determining whether this innovation can progress?

What assumption, incentive, capability, or handoff is determining whether this innovation can progress?

What assumption, incentive, capability, or handoff is determining whether this innovation can progress?

Why It Matters

Prototypes expose untested assumptions before planning turns them into commitments.

Supporting Evidence

Tim Brown, “Change by Design”.

Research Notes

Match the innovation approach to uncertainty, capital intensity, and the stage of commercialization.

Practical Actions

Build a rough prototype; test in reality; plan deeply only after validation.

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