Chapter 1: The Limits of Frameworks

In elementary school, our art teacher tasked us with drawing a rabbit. She began by sketching a circle on the board, declaring it the rabbit's face. Then came two long ovals for ears, small circles for eyes, and a tiny triangle for the mouth.

"Now everyone, replicate this design."

I followed her instructions precisely, and it resembled a rabbit to some extent. However, it lacked the essence of a real rabbit—what one might call its "soul."

This experience reflects what I understand about frameworks today. As an adult, I encounter various frameworks in business models, educational structures, and definitions of success. Many proclaim, "Follow this method, and you'll succeed." Yet, I can't help but feel that the true essence—the "soul"—is often absent.

Frameworks tend to overlook personal motivations and individual "whys." They represent generalized experiences or ideas of others. Isn't it our unique viewpoints and personal concerns that genuinely fuel innovation and problem-solving?

For instance, my mother never strictly adheres to recipes when cooking. She instinctively adjusts ingredients based on her taste, often saying, "A little more of this, a little less of that." The result? Delicious meals every time.

I also have a friend who excels in her role, utilizing the "PDCA cycle" framework to maintain efficiency. Despite her competence, she often appears weary and sometimes expresses a desire to work more freely.

Frameworks can be beneficial; they provide direction when one feels lost, much like a map. However, often the most stunning vistas lie off the beaten path.

In the realm of creativity, my favorite manga artist, Fujiko F. Fujio, introduces "secret gadgets" in Doraemon that serve as frameworks for problem-solving. Yet, Nobita frequently employs these tools in unforeseen ways, leading to even greater dilemmas. Ultimately, it’s human kindness and empathy that resolve the conflicts.

When we analyze frameworks, they seem to slice away the essence of true experiences, don’t they?

Life cannot be reduced to a manual or framework since each person’s journey is distinct, and circumstances are ever-evolving.

While frameworks might assure a standard level of quality, true masterpieces that resonate with the soul or groundbreaking innovations arise when we think beyond conventional structures. If we rely solely on frameworks, we may create "adequate" outcomes, but can we truly expect to achieve something extraordinary?

Therefore, I believe frameworks can serve as helpful guides, but it’s equally important to trust one’s instincts and emotions. Sometimes, stepping outside conventional methodologies can lead to more profound results.

By doing so, you might find yourself creating a drawing imbued with the rabbit's essence, enhancing the flavor of your cooking, and finding more joy in your work.

Ultimately, the essence of life lies in understanding frameworks while possessing the courage to transcend them.

Reflecting on this makes me curious about that rabbit drawing from my childhood. When I visit my parents next, I’ll search for it. I suspect I could now bring some soul to that simplistic creation.

The first video, "Orca Slicer getting started guide: A slicer for all of your 3D printers," provides an introduction to the Orca Slicer, highlighting its versatility and ease of use for various 3D printers.

The second video, "Lessons learnt from using Vertical Slice architecture - Steve Cross," explores the insights gained from applying the Vertical Slice architecture, emphasizing its impact on software development processes.