Account Quote by Henry Petroski
“The paradox is that when we model future designs on past successes, we are inviting failure down the line; when we take into account past failures and anticipate potential new ways in which failure can occur, we are more likely to produce successful designs.”
About This Quote
Source Book: "Design Paradigms" by Henry Petroski, 1995
Relying on past successes can cause future failures; learning from past failures improves design success
In simple terms: Avoid repeating past successes blindly; learn from failures
Key Takeaway
Incorporate failure analysis into design process
Themes
design
failure
learning
Mood
analytical
forward‑looking
Type
technical
strategic
When to use this quote
- product development
- architecture
- innovation strategy
Key Concepts
engineering
systems theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance past lessons with new ideas?
- What processes capture failure insights?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on past successes may stifle creativity
![“Whether or not science can be applied to that mental construct [i.e. the designed entity] is a matter of availability. If there is body of scientific knowledge that can be applied, then it would be foolish not to exploit it. However, if there is none, it does not mean that the thing cannot be…” quote by Henry Petroski](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/17d/henry-petroski-10198_availability_whether-or-not-science-can-be-applied-to_341822.jpg)
