Overview
Sometimes, the best solutions are the oldest ones, updated with modern technology. Look at how problems were solved in the early days of an industry for inspiration. Tesla revived interest in electric cars, which were popular at the dawn of the automobile age.
Company examples
- Square - Simplified mobile payments, reminiscent of early cash registers
- Airbnb - Revived the concept of home-sharing, similar to early lodging practices
- Tesla - Renewed interest in electric cars, which were popular in the early days of automobiles
Questions to consider
- What historical solutions to industry problems could be reimagined with modern technology?
- How can we apply simple, foundational principles to disrupt complex modern industries?
How to cite
Faster Than Normal. “Look at how people solved problems near the beginning of the industry Framework.” fasterthannormal.co/business-frameworks/look-at-how-people-solved-problems-near-the-beginning-of-the-industry. Accessed 2026.