Fresh Ideas at Work » Stretch the Rules

Floors Follow a Tree’s Natural Shape

freshideasatwork — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:06:21 +0000

Bolefloor offers a gorgeous example of the Fresh Ideas strategy ‘Stretch the Rules’ by asking,

“Trees don’t grow in straight lines, so why should the wooden floorboards we make with them?”

They are “… the world’s first industrial-scale manufactured hardwood flooring with naturally curved lengths that follow a tree’s natural growth.”

This creates a beautiful surface and, as Bolefloor puts it, “allows more floors per forest.”

D’Espresso with a Twist

freshideasatwork — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:48:55 +0000

When the D’Espresso coffee bar opened just a block away from the NYC’s Lower East Side library, patrons were treated to a great example of the Fresh Ideas strategy ‘Stretch the Rules‘ (bookshelves on the floor?) Or is it ‘Refresh Your Space‘? You decide.)

Business Model ‘Stretches the Rules’

freshideasatwork — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:26:58 +0000

Here’s a refreshing example of how the Fresh Ideas strategy Stretch the Rules has been applied to a business model:

MileMeter works “… to bring innovation and common sense to auto insurance” with a product that links your coverage fees to your mileage. If you drive less you pay less.

The Opposite May Also Be True

freshideasatwork — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:33:03 +0000

Establishing where you are?

The job of health care?

Marking the beat?

In this two minute video, Derek Sivers shows the benefit of questioning assumptions about the way things work. Subscribers to Fresh Ideas will recognize the link to ”Stretch the Rules.”