The Transience of Ideas: Avoiding the Fishy Stench

In the realm of creativity, ideas can be likened to fish - they may appear fresh and delightful initially, but their appeal wanes with time. This concept finds its roots in an ancient Italian proverb originating from the playwright Tito Maccio Plauto in 250 BC. The English translation is commonly known as “fish and visitors stink after three days,” although it curiously appears misattributed to Benjamin Franklin, who lived centuries later.

The analogy holds true when it comes to generating ideas for new applications. Upon conception, an idea often exudes an air of brilliance and promise, leading us to believe it will garner immense popularity and widespread adoption. We may encounter the same enthusiasm when contemplating new features for existing applications, convinced they will be embraced by our users.

Yet, as the saying goes, give it three days and let the idea marinate. In this brief period, the once-enticing notion begins to reveal its defects and inadequacies, reminiscent of the pungent aroma of a decomposing fish. By allowing time for reflection, we gain a newfound perspective that enables us to recognize the flaws in our initial concept.

Tags: creativity, idea generation, application development, feature enhancement