Skip to content

If designers and researchers do not sometimes fail, it is…

“If designers and researchers do not sometimes fail, it is a sign that they are not trying hard enough—they are not thinking the great creative thoughts that will provide breakthroughs in how we do things. It is possible to avoid failure, to always be safe. But that is also the route to a dull…” quote by Donald A. Norman
Download Open image
““If designers and researchers do not sometimes fail, it is a sign that they are not trying hard enough—they are not thinking the great creative thoughts that will provide breakthroughs in how we do things. It is possible to avoid failure, to always be safe. But that is also the route to a dull, uninteresting life.””

Donald A. Norman

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Failure is essential for creative breakthroughs; avoiding it leads to mediocrity.

In simple terms: Failing fuels innovation.

Key Takeaway

Embrace risk for breakthrough ideas.

Themes

creativity risk innovation

Mood

reflective inspirational

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • product development
  • research projects
  • entrepreneurial ventures

Key Concepts

design thinking creative failure

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance risk and safety?
  • What safeguards help when experimenting?
A Different Perspective

Failure can cause wasted resources if not managed.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Donald A. Norman

Explore all 97 Donald A. Norman quotes

More Creativity quotes

Browse all 13,625 Creativity quotes