Six Principles for Making New Things
Paul Graham’s essay Six Principles for Making New Things identifies a consistent design philosophy across Viaweb, Y Combinator, and his essays.
The Six Principles
- Find simple solutions: Elegance over complexity
- Target overlooked problems: Work on issues others dismiss
- Solve real problems: Actual user needs, not superficial features
- Deliver informally: Substance over professional presentation
- Release crude version 1: Start small and incomplete
- Iterate rapidly: Learn through user feedback
Why This Approach Generates Contempt
Simple solutions “don’t seem as impressive as complex ones.” Informal delivery requires audiences to understand content rather than judge presentation.
Strategic Advantages
Working on overlooked problems reduces competition. Informal delivery saves resources. Crude initial releases benefit from “the imagination of nature.”
My Takeaway
“Ideas like that are all around you. But you ignore them because they look wrong.” Trust your instincts on simple solutions.
Which principle resonates most with you? I’d love to hear at persdre@gmail.com.