Design typically includes researching and planning, which are crucial parts of the process. But, having good ideas and careful planning alone is not enough.

Optimal failures are rapid, inexpensive, and early.

Innovation is about swiftly putting ideas into action. Waiting for a flawless plan or forecast can take a very long time.

Simply having a “do something” mindset is not enough if that mindset doesn’t lead to actual actions.

“Reduce planning and maximize actions.”

Creating prototypes quickly and at low cost allows for exploring many variations. This process leads to the development of the best possible product.

Avoid getting stuck in the planning phase. To create something great, you must start taking action.

Becoming the best right away is hard. Instead, commit to making continuous and rapid improvements.

Planning-action gap

1. Nokia slowly adopted smartphones even though they were aware of their potential early. This ultimately resulted in a decline of its market share in the mobile phone industry.
2. Kodak’s inability to swiftly shift to digital photography, despite being a pioneer in the technology, exemplify a planning-action gap.