Book: Insanely Simple Flashcards
What are the ten core elements of Simplicity?
- Think Brutal
- Think Small
- Think Minimal
- Think Motion
- Think Iconic
- Think Phrasal
- Think Causal
- Think Human
- Think Skeptic
- Think War
- Conclusion (Think Different)
Acronym:
BRian’s
SMall
MINI
MOuse
Is
PHotographed
CAsually, while being
Hunted
SKEPTICally (during the)
WAR
(by a DIFFERENT kinda animal)
What’s the basis of the element “Think Brutal”?
To keep thinks simple, you’ve got to be prepared to be blunt when people stray into complexity. You have to be honest 100% of the time, even if that’s impolite.
What’s the basis of the element “Think Small”?
Small groups of smart people always do better work than large groups. To keep things simple, the only people in the room should be those who are there for a reason.
What’s the basis of the element “Think Minimal”?
Focus on what you already do well and figure out how to give people more of what they want. If you can stick to what you’re great at and focus, the sky is the limit.
What’s the basis of the element “Think Motion”?
Get a plan into motion and improve it on the fly, rather than endlessly analysing what you should be doing. Simplicity loves motion so feed the flames.
What’s the basis of the element “Phrasal”?
Product naming is an art in and of itself. If you can come up with something simple and memorable - like iMac and iPhone - your marketing will get off to a good start.
What’s the basis of the element “Think Iconic”?
When you market, create material which communicates what you stand for - your core values. Do that in a memorable and graphic way and you will stand out.
What’s the basis of the element “Think Causal”?
Big formal meetings are an incredible drain on resources, especially time. Apple runs by informal, casual meetings where you have to cut to the chase.
What’s the basis of the element “Think Human”?
The most powerful form of simplicity connects directly with your humanity. If you appeal to people’s emotions, they will respond with passion and enthusiasm.
What’s the basis of the element “Think Skeptic”?
To genuinely keep things simple, you’re going to have to take the advice of experts with a grain of salt. By all means take their advice, but never their orders.
What’s the basis of the element “Think War”?
When your ideas are facing a life-or-death challenge and you have to go to war, use everything you have. Don’t look for a fair fight - use extreme force.
What’s the basis of the element “Think Different”?
If you believe in and seek the power of simplicity, you will, by definition, be “thinking differently” to everyone else. Companies which leverage its power always stand out from the crowd. Get good at it.
Why does simplicity work?
Because people prefer it. Human beings are predisposed to like simple solutions to their problems. They crave simplicity and respond positively to it whenever and wherever they see it.
Simplicity is not the sole factor to Apple’s success. But it runs through a number of other factors, including what?
Leadership, vision, talent, imagination and hard work.
