3 Reasons Makers Shouldn’t Stop At Solving A Problem
Most people start Making to solve at least one problem.
Saving money is usually a reason people get started, but that usually goes out the window after the initial DIY projects around the house and you start building from scratch. No, we make to solve something tangible with a solution of our own. If we have a bed and a lamp, but no nightstand, it could be starting with that.
But you'll probably get tired of just solving a problem and want to dive in more, so here is why I started looking past solutions.
Reason 1: Most Solutions Look Terrible
Let's be real, if you only solve a problem, the solution never looks good.
With the nightstand example, all you really need is some plywood stuck to some 2x4 legs and, boom, you have a nightstand. But no one wants that next to their bed every day. The same is true for most of our projects that they can just be 2x4s and some cheap plywood.
So before you say this is what you really want to do, think about how much extra you're already adding by using solid hardwoods instead of 2x4s.
Reason 2: Solving Problems Is Only A Part Of Making
You can go on Amazon or IKEA right now and find a super cheap solution to the problem you have.
If we include the cost of tools, consumables, and your time into the mix, these solutions start to look pricey. Plus, like we discussed above, usually we're not working with 2x4s, but nice plywood and hardwoods to create our projects. So you're already beyond "just" solving the problem by making it look aesthetically pleasing.
However, we're almost to where I think the real advantage and creative unlocks are for Makers.
Reason 3: Themes Are Where You'll Unlock Your Unfair Advantage
I got tired of Making things until I realized that I could make my solutions look anyway I wanted, including like they belonged in the Star Wars universe.
What's a movie or show that you cannot get enough of and you spend tons of time looking into the lore of so you can always know more about it? You can make your projects solve a problem, look good, and be themed after something that really inspires you (even if you're a Trekkie). You have tons of knowledge about what makes something feel like it's in your favorite movie's universe, so tap into that creativity and find ways of theming your projects.
Especially if you plan on selling your solutions to customers, tapping into your theatrical obsession gives you an unfair advantage versus your competition (although, don't infringe on copyright by using specific names or characters).
