Practice the power of constraints with this progression:
Round 1: Baseline (No Constraints)
"Design a mobile app"Note the generic ideas that emerge
Round 2: Single Constraint
"Design a mobile app that has only one button"Notice how ideas become more specific
Round 3: Complementary Constraints
"Design a mobile app that: - Has only one button - Helps people sleep better - Works with eyes closed"See how constraints guide creative solutions
Round 4: Tension Constraints
"Design a mobile app that: - Has only one button - Helps people sleep better - Works with eyes closed - Is addictively engaging - Reduces screen time"Watch how opposing constraints spark innovation
Round 5: Optimal Constraints
"Design a mobile app that: - Has only one button - Uses only sound - Helps anxious people sleep - Learns from breathing patterns"Experience how right constraints channel genius