500 sketches, and 500 more

I studied industrial design in Canada many years ago.

I had a great design teacher. He was quite direct with his feedback, which didn’t win him many friends among the students.

I didn’t mind, even though I have negatively been on his radar at times.

Once, he assigned us the task of designing a cutlery set: one fork, one knife, one tablespoon, and one teaspoon.

So far, so good!

The trick was in the process: we had to draw and sketch 500 of each. 😵‍💫

That is A LOT of sketches!

I decided to give it a go and explore.

One evening after the other, I sketched a knife and then another repeatedly. It was laborious, but it was also industrious…

After this assignment, I reflected on the process.

It turns out that one way to achieve a breakthrough design is through this method: You can’t possibly sketch the same idea over and over again; you will get annoyed and tired after a few tens or hundreds. And that is the whole point!

The emotional process one goes through is very much like the grieving process:

• denial

• anger

• bargaining

• depression

• acceptance

Of course, you may not go through all of them in this same sequence, but you will be emotionally triggered; that is a guarantee.

I have witnessed bargaining. many times, as I was teaching industrial design and innovation, students would say: can I do only 100? Can I sketch 50? Is that enough?

I have also witnessed anger. I recall one instance when the student verbally attacked me, and I was then the target of his anger. I had to sit with him and continue the process.

Through this laborious work, one can eventually find a new idea and a gem. I haven’t found any shortcuts or hacks.

Now, how would this work for you?

Would you repeat the same keynote 500 times?

Would you write this post 500 times, too?

Would you prepare your marketing material 500 times?

One thing I can guarantee: it is a life-changing experience.