Usefulness comes first, above all else
An object can be technically impressive and yet completely useless — the two don't always go together.
Technical prowess doesn't guarantee real usefulness
An object can be designed with great technical precision and still answer no real need once in everyday use. The first question to ask isn't whether an object is technically achievable, but whether it truly solves a concrete problem for whoever will use it.
How to keep this question at the centre of the project
Regularly returning to the object's intended use, throughout its design, avoids drifting away from the initial need in favour of a technically appealing but impractical solution in reality.
Frequently asked questions
Is a complex technical solution always better?
No, the best solution is the one that most simply answers the real need, not the most sophisticated one.