Contrarians defy popular opinions, sparking fresh ideas and deeper insights. The purpose and principles behind their vision are more important than the benefits. In a competitive market focused on customer attention and profitability, standing out is essential.
Visionary entrepreneur Elon Musk believes that embracing uniqueness through a contrarian approach can effectively distinguish your business and leave a lasting impression on potential customers. How can we apply this to designing?
Musk swears by the following 5 contrarian principles of design:
- Refining Requirements:
- Example: Before starting, clearly define the purpose and key message of the presentation. Ask questions like “What is the main point I want to convey?” and “Who is my audience?”
- Application: Tailor the content to meet the audience’s needs and focus on delivering a clear, concise message.
2. Eliminating Unnecessary Parts or Steps:
- Example: Remove superfluous slides, excessive text, or redundant points.
- Application: Instead of ten slides covering minor details, consolidate the information into a few impactful slides. For instance, merge similar points and cut out any that do not directly support the main message.
3. Simplifying and Optimizing the Design:
- Example: Use clean, minimalistic slide designs with ample white space.
- Application: Optimize visuals by using high-quality images and simple charts. For instance, replace complex charts with straightforward infographics that are easier to understand at a glance.
4. Speeding Up Cycle Time:
- Example: Utilize tools and templates that streamline the creation process.
- Application: Use a pre-designed template to quickly build your presentation and employ software features like slide masters and automated formatting to reduce time spent on repetitive tasks. For instance, if you frequently create sales presentations, having a ready-to-use template with your company’s branding can save significant time.
5. Avoid Premature Automation:
- Example: Focus on crafting a clear, effective message
- Application: Before automating transitions or animations in a presentation, confirm that these elements enhance the key message.
Embracing a contrarian approach can thus differentiate your message, ensuring it stands out and resonates with audiences, ultimately enhancing engagement and impact.