Usefulness Quote by Peter Coughter
““Thirty spokes share the wheel’s hub, It is the centre hole that makes it useful. Shape clay into a vessel, It is the space within that makes it useful. Cut doors and windows for a room, It is the holes which make it useful. Therefore profit comes from what is there, Usefulness from what is not there.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: TED Talk “The Art of the Pitch”, 2012
Value arises from the empty space or absence that enables function, not just the material components.
In simple terms: Utility comes from what’s missing, not just what’s present.
Key Takeaway
Focus on the invisible elements that create value.
Themes
design
value
absence
function
strategy
Mood
thoughtful
inspired
Type
analytical
insightful
When to use this quote
- product design
- architecture
- marketing strategy
- business modeling
- user experience
Key Concepts
negative space
utility theory
systems thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you design a product that leverages empty space?
- What hidden gaps could you fill to increase value?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on tangible features can ignore the power of emptiness.
