Musk’s Algorithm: A Model for Innovation and Simplification

Walter Isaacson’s new book on Elon Musk reveals fascinating insights into how Musk tackles the challenge of simplifying complex processes and eliminating bureaucracy. Musk has developed a five-step approach that has revolutionized how operations are managed in his factories and companies, and these ideas are applicable to many other sectors.

The 5 steps of Musk’s algorithm to eliminate bureaucracy:

1. Question every requirement.

Before making changes, you need to ensure that every existing requirement is clear. Who requested that requirement? Don’t settle for a department; you need to know the specific person who proposed it.

Musk: “Always question the requirements, even if they come from smart people—or even from me.”

2. Delete unnecessary parts of the process.

This step is about reducing as much as possible. Musk suggests deleting more than you feel comfortable with, as you can always reintroduce the essentials later if needed.

Musk: “If you don’t end up adding at least 10% of what you deleted back, then you didn’t delete enough.”

3. Simplify and optimize.

After eliminating the unnecessary, only then should you focus on improving what remains. This prevents the common mistake of optimizing something that shouldn’t even exist.

Musk: “A frequent mistake is to simplify a process that should have never existed in the first place.”

4. Accelerate cycle time.

Now the focus is on speed. Once processes have been questioned and optimized, it’s time to accelerate them.

Musk: “Every process can be accelerated, but only after you’ve eliminated unnecessary steps.”

5. Automate.

Automation should be the final step, not the first. Automation can seem like the most efficient option, but you need to ensure processes are clean and optimized first.

Musk: “In my factories, I made the mistake of starting with automation before questioning and eliminating unnecessary steps.”

One of the most powerful lessons Musk shares, which Walter Isaacson highlights in his book, is that leaders should spend at least 20% of their time doing hands-on work in the area they lead. This prevents managers from losing touch with the reality of daily operations. In his factories, for example, Musk insists that technical team managers, such as those in software or solar energy, must spend 20% of their time coding or installing solar roofs.

Musk: “Leaders must get their hands dirty. You can’t be a general who doesn’t know how to wield a sword.”

How I Apply This Approach as Senior UX Product Designer

This approach from Musk is not only relevant for production lines but also for any team looking to optimize and simplify its processes, including designing user experiences (UX). As Senior UX Product Designer, I dedicate at least 20% of my time to hands-on work, ensuring that my team and I stay connected with the day-to-day realities. Here’s how I incorporate Musk’s algorithm principles into my work:

? Question every requirement: In designing user experiences, it’s essential not to assume that a requirement is valid just because it comes from an important stakeholder. I review each request and ensure it aligns with users’ real needs.

? Delete the unnecessary: In UX, less is more. Often, simplifying interfaces and reducing steps leads to a smoother user experience. This applies to both app navigation and internal work processes.

? Simplify and optimize: Only after eliminating the unnecessary do I focus on improving what remains. Whether it’s in design or research, I ensure that every interaction is useful and efficient.

? Accelerate processes: Time is valuable, both for users and the team. I work to streamline development and testing times without compromising the quality of the experience.

? Automate: Finally, once processes are optimized, I look for opportunities to automate repetitive tasks, such as usability testing or feedback reporting, allowing us to focus more time on creative and strategic tasks.

Musk’s algorithm, as described by Isaacson, offers a valuable lesson for any leader looking to continuously improve processes. Like Musk, I strive to question, simplify, and optimize every aspect of the work we do at iO. Dedicating time to get hands-on with research, writing, and designing is not just a way to stay connected with the team but a way to ensure that the solutions we deliver are truly useful and relevant.

As Musk says: “Never ask your troops to do something you’re not willing to do yourself.” And that is one of the keys to leadership I apply day after day.