Constraints can enable innovation and efficiency. By knowing what boundaries limit us and what ones are bendable, we can use constraints to inform decision making as well as cultivate creativity in our worklife. Here is an example of using both flexible and firm boundaries to inform career decision making. Here is an example of how Google Ventures used the constraint of “time boxing” to develop prototypes like Carebridge and Partiful.
What are constraints?
From my perspective, IDEO is one of the greatest organizations on Earth (especially when it comes to enabling innovation). Here is an IDEO perspective on constraints and why they matter:
Constraints are a designer’s best friend. When you have a small budget or a tight timeframe, constraints help you focus, force tough decisions, and require you to take a very exact approach. The more I design, the more I have come to value constraints.
Here are five other ways working within limits can spark creativity and productivity.
Haiku poetry
I know a thing or two about the five-seven-five syllable structure of haiku poetry because I publish one every month on this website.
The strict structure of haikus forces poets to distill profound ideas into just a few words. This constraint drives precision and emotional depth in writing, making every word count.
LEGO
LEGO – my favourite and arguably one of the best brands around – is a fantastic example of how constraints drive creativity. From the company’s early brick design to “free builds”, LEGO has always operated within constraints.
A great example of limitations using LEGO is the “Move Without Wheels” challenge. LEGO Education has a challenge where students must build a moving robot without using wheels. By removing an obvious solution, this constraint sparks creativity, leading to diverse and unexpected ways of achieving movement.
LEGO thrives on constraints, proving that limitations can be a catalyst for creating new things with the tools and materials that we already have.
Pixar’s low-budget (Toy Story’s simple character designs)
When Pixar created Toy Story, early CGI was limited in its ability to render complex textures like human skin and hair. This constraint led animators to focus on plastic toys, which were easier to animate—ultimately sparking an innovative storytelling approach.
This paper highlights how Pixar’s technological constraints shaped the design process for Toy Story. The early limitations of early CGI, the challenges of rendering complex scenes (or Woody’s hair), and how Pixar adapted its tools to balance artistic vision with computational efficiency, ultimately reflect the firm’s pioneering techniques that revolutionized animated filmmaking.
Limited musical instrumentation (The Beatles’ early sound)
Many bands, including The Beatles, started out with basic instruments and minimal studio technology. These limitations encouraged inventive compositions, creative recording techniques, and distinct sounds that later defined their musical style.
In our age of infinite content (Arcade Fire has a song about it), we can experience paralysis of choice. One way to reduce being overwhelmed by all the tools and tactics for making music is by keeping things simple and limiting options in the lab.
Architectural space constraints (Tokyo’s micro homes)
In densely populated cities like Tokyo, strict zoning laws and limited land availability drive architects to design ultra-efficient homes. These compact spaces are packed with clever storage solutions, multi-purpose furniture, and innovations like foldable walls—all maximizing comfort within a small footprint.
Constraints unleash creativity and enable productivity.
When we embrace constraints, rather than treat them as roadblocks, our capacity for creativity can be unleashed and our productive potential can be realized. What’s one constraint that you might look at differently today? Or perhaps one that you might introduce to inspire innovation in your worklife?
