100-10-1 Method

The 100:10:1 Method: A Creative Technique for All Projects

Inspired by Nick Bentley

@Nick__Bentley, a game designer, developed a structured approach called the 100:10:1 Method. I’ve found his approach incredibly useful not only in game design but also in various creative and design projects. Here’s an overview of the method and why it works so well.

The 100:10:1 Method

Step 1: Generate 100 Ideas

Begin by quickly jotting down 100 short concepts in a notebook within a week or even a day. The key is to include any idea that comes to mind, regardless of its feasibility or completeness. This phase emphasizes quantity over quality, pushing past initial creative blocks to uncover more original and unconventional ideas.

Step 2: Develop 10 Prototypes

From the pool of 100 ideas, select 10 concepts based on specific criteria related to your creative goals. Develop these ideas into crude working prototypes. This iterative process, which can take six months to a year, allows for parallel development, providing a buffer against creative blocks and enabling cross-pollination of ideas.

Step 3: Perfect the Best One

Finally, choose the most promising prototype from the 10 and focus on refining and polishing it. This step involves extensive testing and feedback to ensure the project is as polished as possible. The time required here varies but is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome.

Why the 100:10:1 Method Works

Benefits of Individual Steps

  1. Step 1: Brainstorming in Bulk

    • Encourages breaking through habitual thought patterns.
    • Generates a large pool of ideas, allowing for better comparative analysis.

  2. Step 2: Parallel Development

    • Prevents attachment to a single idea, fostering objective assessment.
    • Keeps the creative process moving by providing alternatives when stuck.
    • Facilitates a deeper understanding of which ideas have real potential through practical development.

  3. Step 3: Intensive Refinement

    • Focuses on perfecting the most promising idea, ensuring a high-quality final product.

Emergent Benefits of the Process

Selection Criteria

Initially, projects can be selected based on personal interest. However, for broader appeal, additional criteria such as market appeal, simplicity, and production feasibility become essential. This shift can broaden your understanding of project dynamics and make you a more versatile creator.

The Importance of Testing

Testing is crucial for understanding what works and what doesn't. While initial selection is based on criteria and gut feeling, the true test comes from sharing prototypes with the target audience. This iterative feedback loop is vital for refining the project and ensuring it resonates with users.

Conclusion

The 100:10:1 Method provides a robust framework for tackling creative projects. By emphasizing quantity, parallel development, and intensive refinement, it harnesses the best of both imaginative and problem-solving thinking. This structured yet flexible approach can significantly improve your creative process and be applied to various fields.

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