Slaying the Red Ocean Strategy: Power of Design
Hey again, I’m Aan H. from the TornadoByte gang. I feel like writing today, so yeah. Are you team red? Or are you blue?
🔴Red vs. 🔵Blue
Think of the ‘Red Ocean Strategy’ as the original way companies do business. Imagine a gang of sharks hunting for dolphins. The tougher, slicker, the more skillful the shark, the better the outcomes will be. In this red hot zone, it’s a no-holds-barred showdown, with every company clawing for the same customers, often resorting to price wars and copycat tactics. Result? Skinny profit slices and major beef among rivals.
And then there’s the ‘Blue Ocean Strategy’, and this one’s like creating a whole new original business idea. Imagine being the only shark in the sea and you have all the dolphins there are to feast on. No competition in sight! You create a new business, you create a new pool of customers, and you reap all the money.
It’s Hard to Be Original
It’ll be very difficult to come up with a truly original idea, as many ideas are built upon previous ideas and concepts. When so many people trying so hard to be unique, meh… why do we even bother?
I enjoy eating beef. I’m a meat eater 🥩 pfft. Originality and uniqueness? Those concepts are so goody-two-shoes mainstream. Developing an original idea takes time, and it doesn’t guarantee success either. And what’s so wrong about playing the copycat game? After all, imitation is a strategy* that’s known to have made its way to success. Not every original idea is good; some of them are terrible. And their terribleness presents an opportunity for other hungry sharks. My spirit animal is the tiger shark. So, I can say that I am all Team Red🔴.
Another Poorly Designed Product is Another Opportunity.
As an opportunistic designer, when you encounter a good idea that is consistently and poorly implemented, what should you do? Hehe. When you know you are capable of improving it, why not? And if you have a group of friends and sufficient capital needed to create a better version of that idea, consider Steal it Like an Artist.
Disclaimer: it’s important to approach situations ethically and within the bounds of intellectual property and legal considerations when considering implementing an idea inspired by someone else’s work. But, know the boundaries, guys.
Time to S̶t̶e̶a̶l̶ Shine
Here are some takeaways I like from ‘Steal Like an Artist’ that really vibe with me. However, I focused on the idea of stealing ideas rather than copying someone’s design style. Haha!
- Nothing is Original: Kleon argues that all creative work builds on what came before it. There’s no such thing as pure originality, and artists should embrace the idea of borrowing, remixing, and adapting existing ideas.
- Side Projects and Hobbies: Sometimes, your most creative and innovative work comes from side projects and hobbies. These activities can free you from the pressure of your main work and lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
- Share Your Work: Don’t keep your creative projects hidden away. Share them with others, whether through social media, a blog, or other platforms. Sharing your work can lead to valuable feedback and connections with like-minded individuals.
- Be Patient and Persistent: Creative success often takes time. Be patient, and keep working on your craft consistently. Don’t be discouraged by failures or setbacks.
- Stay Curious: Cultivate a sense of curiosity and keep exploring new ideas, concepts, and interests. Being open to new experiences can lead to fresh inspiration.
Not related to the above writing, but recently I moved to Ampang, a town nearer to the city center — Kuala Lumpur. So I might share with you guys my new work setup.
I think that’s all. Bye for now.
