Frank Lloyd Wright said “You can use an eraser on the drafting table or a sledge hammer on the construction site.” Inc Notes is about promoting sketching your ideas not erasing them. Brainstorming phrases never include the eraser. Pen to paper. Back to the drawing board. The eraser is just as powerful as the pen.

As Frank Lloyd Wright suggests, erasing your bad ideas avoids costly demolition at the construction site. Erasing is an art form and can be learned. Here’s a quick process to begin:

1. Put on the ‘black hat’ (de Bono Group) to look at why things don’t work. Learn how to really look critically at ideas.

2. Document your changes and why. Keep revisions of each iteration.

3. Learn erasing techniques and equip yourself with the right erasers. Yes there are more than one type of eraser.

4. Be prepared to redraw your idea. Use a light board or tracing paper to recreate the good lines and omit the bad lines.

5. Create a mockup or simulation of the concept.

6. Get feedback.

7. Repeat the process until you can’t find other major problems.

You will find that not only does your idea improve but the process and speed with which you develop ideas will also improve.