Ever heard the saying, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again”? It’s a cliché for a reason, especially when it comes to product development. The journey from a great idea to a tangible, functional product is rarely a straight line. More often, it’s a series of small steps, tests, and refinements – a process known as iteration.

When you’re developing something new, it’s easy to get caught up in the desire for perfection from the outset. We want the first version to be the version, flawless and ready for prime time. But the reality is, true innovation and robust design come from embracing imperfection and the learning that comes with it.

Think of it like this: you have an idea, you build a prototype (even a rough one), you test it, you learn what works and what doesn’t, and then you make a small, focused change. You don’t scrap the whole thing and start over; you refine. You iterate.

I experienced this firsthand when I decided to learn Computer-Aided Design (CAD). What better way to learn a new skill than by tackling a fun, slightly over-engineered project? My goal was to design a Pinewood Derby car, but not just any car. This one would have a microcontroller and a fan motor mounted on top – a truly ambitious, and perhaps slightly absurd, addition to a traditional gravity-powered race car.

My initial designs in CAD were, let’s just say, optimistic. I’d spend hours meticulously crafting what I thought was the perfect body, only to print it and realize that the fan motor didn’t fit quite right, or the weight distribution was completely off, or the aesthetic was just… not there.

Instead of getting discouraged, I leaned into the iterative process. Each print was a learning opportunity.

Here are all seven versions of the car body I printed throughout my design journey:

You can see the progression!

• Version 1 was just getting the basic shape down, learning two axis shapes in CAD.
• Version 2 stated to curve the sides.
• Versions 3, 4 and 5 dealt with fitting fan and figuring out the best was to connect it.
• Version 6 adding a location for the wheels to mount, making sure the cavity can fit the battery and microcontroller and fitting the top and bottom.
• And finally, Version 7 (the one with the electronics mounted) was the culmination – a design where everything fit, looked good, and was ready for the track (or at least, ready to look cool on a shelf after the race!).

Each iteration wasn’t a failure, but a step forward. Each physical model in my hand allowed me to see flaws that weren’t apparent on a screen. I could feel the weight, test the clearances, and visualize the final product in a way that CAD alone couldn’t provide.

This experience solidified my belief in the iterative approach to any development process, whether it’s learning a new software, designing a complex product, or even writing a blog post.

Key Takeaways for Your Next Project:

1. Start Small, Learn Fast: Don’t aim for the magnum opus on your first try. Get a basic version out there as quickly as possible.
2. Test Relentlessly: Every change, no matter how minor, should be followed by a test. This is where you gather crucial feedback.
3. Embrace “Failure” as Feedback: If something doesn’t work, that’s not a setback; it’s data. It tells you what to change next.
4. Make Incremental Changes: Avoid overhauling everything at once. Small, focused adjustments make it easier to pinpoint what’s working and what’s not.
5. Document Your Journey: Like my collection of car bodies, keeping track of your iterations helps you see your progress and learn from past attempts.

So, the next time you’re faced with a challenge in product development, or really, any complex task, remember my Pinewood Derby car. Don’t seek perfection immediately. Instead, embrace the journey of iteration – make a change, test it, learn, and repeat. It’s the most effective path to success.