The development process of the Tesla Cybertruck once again demonstrates the power of 'first principles.' Musk and the design team initially used the Chevrolet Silverado as a design reference, but Musk stated he wanted a more exciting pickup. Subsequently, the team studied creatively designed models in automotive history, even including the Lotus Esprit from the 1977 Bond film that Musk loved. However, traditional automotive design thinking clearly could not meet his needs.
Musk turned to thinking from 'first principles': What is the core demand for a pickup? How should materials be chosen? Under this line of thinking, he proposed using stainless steel for the body, not only because of its durability but also because this material can serve as the exoskeleton structure of the vehicle, giving the Cybertruck a unique appearance. Ultimately, Tesla chose the stainless steel alloy developed by SpaceX and applied for a patent. The exoskeleton design of the Cybertruck has made traditional pickups pale in comparison, achieving new heights in durability and a sense of futurism.
Application of First Principles in Cost Control
Musk's keen attention to costs is reflected in many of his decisions. He is often dissatisfied with high quotes from outsourcing suppliers, advocating for the company to manufacture as many components in-house as possible. For example, SpaceX needed a valve, and the supplier quoted as high as $250,000. Musk considered this price too high and requested the team to manufacture it themselves, which they successfully completed at a much lower cost. In addition, SpaceX also produced other components in-house, drawing inspiration from the car wash system and using specially designed valves to handle rocket fuel, significantly reducing costs.
In the rocket manufacturing process, Musk continuously questions the various specifications required by the outside world. He believes that all standards should be treated as suggestions, and only conditions constrained by the laws of physics are truly inviolable. At SpaceX, engineers must constantly examine the rationality of each design requirement, rather than merely adhering to existing standards. This essence-driven thinking has enabled SpaceX to continuously break through in terms of cost and efficiency, creating aerospace technologies beyond conventional norms.
Conclusion
The 'first principles' that Musk advocates are not just a thinking tool but also an innovative methodology. By deeply analyzing the essence of things, he is able to break free from traditional thinking frameworks and redefine the boundaries of technology. In many of Musk's achievements, the application of first principles has driven him to elevate industries such as transportation, electric vehicles, and rockets to unprecedented heights.
In this rapidly developing era, Musk's first principles thinking provides us with a way to trace back to the roots and break through inherent concepts. It reminds us that whether in personal decisions or industry changes, only by seeing the essence through the phenomena can we find ways to break through.#BabyMarvinf9c7您拥有您值得
