First Principle¶
In the arena of creative problem-solving and innovation, First Principle acts as a guiding star, leading us to deconstruct complex problems to their most fundamental truths. This approach enables individuals to question assumptions, break free from traditional norms, and craft innovative solutions — a mindset indispensable in digital transformation.
While this may not be groundbreaking information for many, achieving it is challenging. Here we explore the core concept of First Principles Thinking and draw inspiration from history.
Understanding First Principle¶
First Principles Thinking is an age-old strategy harnessed by great thinkers throughout history. It revolves around dissecting complex problems into their most basic components, focusing on the truths that underpin them. This mindset helps us look beyond existing solutions and explore uncharted territories of innovation.
Challenging Conventional Wisdom¶
The limitations of conventional wisdom often confine us to incremental improvements rather than true paradigm shifts. Consider the famous “faster horses” story in transportation: instead of imagining the automobile, people tried to make horses run longer and faster.
Navigating First Principle¶
In a world that prizes specialization, applying first-principle thinking can be difficult.
David Epstein’s Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World highlights why. Our tendency to spot patterns can make us rigid in our thinking; being overly specialized can narrow our ability to adapt.
To apply first principles effectively, we need to overcome bias, embrace diverse perspectives, and stay open-minded. Cultivating a broader, more adaptable mindset is what enables us to find better solutions.
Disrupted Healthcare with a Fresh Perspective¶
Ten years ago, I attended a session with the founders of Kry, the Swedish online doctor service. Their success was partly due to what they didn’t have — traditional medical backgrounds.
In a field where expertise was everything, their outsider perspective became an advantage. Free from established assumptions, they reimagined patient access and built a new model for digital healthcare.
Their story reminds us that outsiders can often drive the biggest leaps forward by questioning norms and redefining what’s possible.
A Revolutionary Leap: The V-Style in Ski Jumping¶
Let’s jump (literally) into sports. Jan Boklöv, the pioneer behind the V-style in ski jumping, asked a simple first-principle question:
What really defines ski jumping?
Breaking down the physics, he realized minimizing air resistance was the key. That insight led to the V-style — skis spread to reduce drag — revolutionizing the sport and proving that fundamental questioning beats tradition.
Culinary Precision: The Sous Vide Method¶
First Principles Thinking also applies to cooking. Traditional methods rely on flame and feel — but what’s cooking really about?
At its core, it’s about controlling temperature.
By reframing the problem, chefs created sous vide — cooking vacuum-sealed food in water at precise temperatures. The result: perfect texture, repeatability, and a small revolution in kitchens worldwide.
How to Apply First Principles Thinking¶
- Define the problem – Articulate the challenge clearly.
- Break it down – Deconstruct it into fundamental truths.
- Question assumptions – Identify what’s limiting you.
- Seek alternatives – Look for new combinations and ideas.
- Iterate and refine – Keep learning, adjusting, and improving.
First Principles Thinking is a catalyst for innovation. By questioning the status quo and focusing on core truths, we can move beyond “faster horses” toward “automobiles.”
Whether you’re an architect, innovator, or strategist, this mindset helps unlock creativity and reimagine what’s possible — just as Jan Boklöv did with the V-style.
If you’ve already read The Power of Models and Business Capabilities, your next step might be to apply first-principle thinking: find the key capability that makes the difference — and explore its transformative potential.