The fastest way to build something is to deconstruct it. Think about all those companies that produce complicated things on an insanely large scale: Toyota, McDonalds, Boeing. If you want to build enough cars to move the entire world or sell a trillion burgers or create an aircraft with millions of moving components, you need to first prototype the final product and then systematically divide it into its individual pieces. If you look at each part separately, you can develop a product faster and more flexibility. I call this process modular design and development: breaking down complex systems into parts that can be developed and tested independently.
This strategy works best on products or processes that are highly complex and contain identifiable subsystems. For example, think of the intricacies of a new surgical methodology or the construction of a eco-tech water filtration system. It also works best in situations of high volume or scope -- when you want to take your product or service to scale.
- Methodical development of products and services with reduced risk
- Outlining of clear methods for designing quality
- Adapting and customizing products or services to keep up with a changing marketplace
- Reducing wasted effort by avoiding reactive behaviors
- First, clearly define the current specifications of the product.
- Next, create concrete standards for development.
- Then, estimate and assign time and resources.
- Build prototypes, models, simulations, and proofs of concept.
- Identify and communicate lessons learned from experimenting with these variations.
- Finally, return to the first step and begin the next iteration of the product.
