This is a high level collection of my thoughts on what it takes to invent digital products.

1. THE KEYS OF A DIGITAL PRODUCT DESIGNER

2. YOU MUST HAVE VISION

3. Not an idea, not a calculated guess. To have
vision is to release yourself from the constraints
of the present and allow yourself to experience
the potential of an awesome future.

4. Actions:
Spend more time daydreaming
!
Read:
Mastery by Robert Greene

5. YOU MUST INSPIRE

6. As humans, collaboration is one of our greatest
evolutionary traits. Communication is central.
Communicating your vision of the future and
inspiring others to get behind it creates the type
of momentum that can change the world.

7. Actions:
Practice communicating your ideas with friends,
share and get feedback.
Read:
To Sell Is Human by
by Daniel H. Pink

8. YOU MUST BE STRATEGIC

9. Good plans change and evolve as markets
move, but it’s your research, foresight and series
of calculated moves that will give your product
what it needs to survive.

10. Actions:
Take up chess.
Read:
How to Win Friends and Influence People in the
Digital Age by Dale Carnegie & Associates

11. YOU MUST BE SELF-RELIANT

12. There are tons of hard problems in crafting a
product, there will always be blockers, shit will
happen and it’s on you to find the answer.
Blame is for the failures. You will ship strong.

13. Actions:
Lynda.com
Read:
The Five Elements of Effective Thinking
by Edward B. Burger, Michael Starbird

14. YOU MUST UNDERSTAND PRODUCTION

15. Knowing what you need to get something done
is also knowing who you need to do it. Your
vision is interpreted by those you inspire and
without a solid knowledge of tools and skills
needed… you’re lost.

16. Actions:
Lynda.com
Read:
wikipedia.org/wiki/Agile_software_development

17. YOU MUST KNOW QUALITY

18. Why do people like Mercedes? You can get all
the same features for far less in another brand.
They are not the fastest and maintenance is
expensive. Why? They impute quality in every
single detail. They have crafted an experience
that tells a story about its owner.

19. Actions:
Take note of things you and your peers perceive
as valuable and ask “Why?”
Troll:
www.thecoolhunter.net

20. YOU MUST FILTER

21. Once you have the skills and people in place
to execute nearly any idea, you are now
dangerous. Without passing your concept
through proper filters you could spend months
guiding your people and resources into the
desert. Filters will shorten the time it takes to
find your win.

22. Actions:
Sign up for Digital Product Development @
Tradecraft
Check out:
http://tradecrafted.com/

23. YOU MUST LOVE

24. Leading a concept you’re not in love with is like
adopting an animal that you’re allergic to. It’s fun
for awhile, but will eventually put you in an
awkward place and make you look irresponsible.

25. Actions:
Define what industries truly inspire you, soak in
the people and products in the sectors you are
drawn to.
Read:
How Will You Measure Your Life?
by Clayton M. Christensen, James Allworth

26. THE ULTIMATE MEASURE OF A PERSON
IS WHAT THEY DO WITH THEIR TIME

27. THANKS FOR YOURS
@BrettRed