Elon Musk

Elon Musk applies this five-step algorithm to build successful products.

Step 1: Question every requirement.

Each should come with the name of the person who made it, and never a department. Then question it, no matter how smart that person is.

Step 2: Delete any part or process you can

You may have to add them back later. In fact, if you do not end up adding back at least 10% of them, then you didn’t delete enough.

Step 3: Simplify and optimize.

This should come after step 2. Common mistake is to simplify and optimize a part or a process that should not exist.

Step 4: Accelerate cycle time.

Every process can be speeded up. But only do this after you have followed the first three steps.

Step 5: Automate.

Wait until all requirements had been questioned, parts and processes deleted, and bugs were shaken out. Then automate.