Elon Musk's 5-step algorithm: question requirements first, delete parts aggressively
SucceededMind · x · 2026-08-21
Elon Musk explains the 5-step algorithm he uses to build everything:
- Question the requirements — requirements are always dumb to some degree, no matter how smart the person who wrote them; otherwise you may perfectly answer the wrong question.
- Try to delete — try to delete the part or process step entirely; if you're not forced to put back at least 10% of what you delete, you're not deleting enough. Most people are overly conservative. (Later steps truncated)
He cites a Tesla factory story: an elaborate system for applying fiberglass mats to battery packs turned out to be something that shouldn't exist at all.
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