Making Mistakes on Purpose
Laurie Rosenwald: Making Mistakes on Purpose
Making Mistakes? Everyone who hears that says, “Oh, I’m already quite good at that.” Ah, if this were only true. It’s not. I’ll bet you are highly skilled. And when you get good at something, you repeat it. It’s satisfying to know it will turn out right. What’s wrong with that? Everything. Because shared tastes and experiences, plus digital technology equal no surprises. Computers don’t make mistakes. Like Velcro. Or Coca Cola. So many things invented by accident are particularly fun and exciting. Fireworks, Viagra, LSD, Champagne, and Pringles? Yes, please. It’s party time! And if things go south, the morning after . . . there’s always Penicillin.
Not doing what everybody else is doing seems worthwhile in a world where some people have 10.1 million followers on Instagram. Jiff Pom has 10.1 million followers. Jiff Pom is a Pomeranian. Underneath your tattoos you’re still mainstream. Innovation needs to go against the prevailing grain. To zig when everyone else zags. When you surprise yourself, you surprise others. And that is priceless in a world where everything seems to have been done.
How to Make Mistakes on Purpose is not that adorable psychopath you once dated, your home pickling phase, or baby’s first tattoo. These may be spectacularly regrettable, but…no. What we do in the workshop is top secret. Thousands of workshop participants, worldwide…all have sworn omertà, the Mafia code of silence. It must be a surprise! This book finally reveals our M.O.
HTMMOP helps people invent and discover truly original things. And to get unstuck when they’re stuck. It could be an invention that saves lives or a new dessert. It could be a lucrative investment or a road trip. It could help you find an apartment, pick up a check, or pick up a chick. Can I say that? No? Well, I don’t care—workshops have been held for google, ted-x, adobe, ikea, scholastic, artek, starbucks, american greetings, kikkerland, meredith, eden_spiekermann, aiga, adc, risd, calarts, and many others ANYBODY can participate. also, it’s just plain fun.
