Seth Godin teaches how to launch a product - What it means to make a difference | BEHIND THE BRAND

Summary

The speaker discusses the intersection of curiosity and productivity, emphasizing that curiosity involves making assertions and asking critical questions to drive design thinking. They also highlight the importance of a disciplined approach to work, sharing insights from Isaac Asimov's writing routine and the value of a daily writing habit, even if it's not for public consumption.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Curiosity is not just about reading more, but being willing to make assertions and explore the reasons behind things.
• 💡 When encountering something unfamiliar, it's important to either engage with it or move on, rather than being apathetic.
• 🛀 The example of hotel shower designs illustrates the importance of understanding the user's perspective and needs.
• 🏨 The design of hotel showers can reflect the intentions of architects or the desires of clients, showing how design thinking can be applied.
• 🤔 Asking 'who's it for', 'what's it for', and 'how will I know if it's working' are key questions in design thinking that help in understanding and creating for the right audience.
• 📺 Productivity can be increased by eliminating distractions like television, social media, and meetings, freeing up time for focused work.
• ✍️ Developing an instinct to 'ship' or complete and release your work is crucial for productivity, even if it's not perfect.
• 💤 Daily writing, such as a blog, can instill a discipline that helps your subconscious to produce quality work.
• 🕒 Establishing a routine, like Isaac Asimov's, can significantly contribute to a productive writing life.
• 📚 Quantity of output does not necessarily equate to quality, and receiving criticism is a natural part of the creative process.

Q & A

How does the speaker define curiosity?

The speaker defines curiosity as being prepared to make an assertion when encountering something they don't understand, rather than walking on by, which leads to apathy.

What is the speaker's perspective on hotel shower designs?

The speaker believes that hotel showers should have a standard design because there's no need for innovation in this aspect. They use their experience with a complicated shower design to illustrate their point.

How does the speaker approach a situation where they encounter something they don't understand?

The speaker chooses to assert a possible explanation, even if it might be wrong, as a way to exercise curiosity and design thinking.

What three questions does the speaker suggest asking to understand the design of a product or service?

The speaker suggests asking 'Who's it for?', 'What's it for?', and 'How will I know if it's working?' as a way to apply design thinking.

How does the speaker manage to be productive?

The speaker manages productivity by avoiding time-consuming distractions like television, meetings, Twitter, and Facebook, and by developing the instinct to 'ship' or complete tasks.

What advice does the speaker give for improving writing habits?

The speaker advises having a daily writing routine, even if no one reads it, to train the subconscious to produce content consistently.

How did Isaac Asimov maintain his prolific writing?

Isaac Asimov maintained his prolific writing by having a strict daily routine of waking up early and writing until noon, regardless of the quality of his writing at first.

What does the speaker suggest about the mindset towards one's work?

The speaker suggests that one should not be hindered by the need for perfection or universal approval, as critics are simply indicating that the work wasn't for them.

How does the speaker relate curiosity to the process of design thinking?

The speaker relates curiosity to design thinking by using it as a means to question and understand the purpose, target audience, and effectiveness of a design, leading to better outcomes.

What is the speaker's opinion on the importance of routine in productivity?

The speaker believes that having a set routine is crucial for productivity, as it trains the subconscious to work efficiently and consistently.

How does the speaker view the concept of 'shipping' or completing work?

The speaker views 'shipping' as an essential instinct for productivity, emphasizing the importance of completing work over striving for perfection and approval from all.