My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
Creative Tension Framework
A method for creating compelling products by bringing together two disparate or opposing concepts to generate creative tension and deeper consumer engagement
How It Works
When you combine seemingly incompatible ideas, the contrast creates intrigue, memorability, and emotional engagement. The tension forces consumers to pay attention and often drives stronger brand loyalty
Components
Identify the core benefit or function your product serves
List conventional approaches in your category
Brainstorm opposing or unexpected concepts that could pair with your function
Test combinations that create interesting tension without sacrificing clarity
Validate that the tension enhances rather than confuses the value proposition
When to Use
When developing brand positioning, product concepts, or marketing strategies in crowded categories where differentiation is critical
When Not to Use
In categories where clarity and simplicity are more important than differentiation, or when the opposing concepts are too confusing for consumers
Anti-Patterns to Avoid
Example
“Method combined 'high design' with 'deep sustainability' - two concepts that weren't typically paired in cleaning products. This 'eco-chic' positioning created differentiation and deeper brand connection.”