Why study Skunk Works during the Cold War Era?

We all seem to share a universal goal to be successful. We want to succeed in the arena we have entered. We want to develop a vision, execute the vision and see it become successful. This human ambition is a noble thing and it takes many forms, from matters related to faith, family, experiences and even inventions. Moreover, the definition of success takes on many forms, all of them uniquely personal.

My motivation in selecting Skunk Works is that their products have a beginning and end. They were designed, built, operated, and retired. This complete cycle of product existence gives us the unique insights such as can be gained by the short-lived adult mayfly, where you see the life cycle at a glance. This long view is different than the metamorphosis of a caterpillar. With a flurry of flapping wings and color the butterfly flies off followed by photographers and poets. When something germinal happens in your lifetime, like the internet and smart phones, it can be hard to place it in context, critique its merits, and cast an historical eye on it. Rather, we tend to gush with emotional stupor at what may be a development that creates unintended consequences and an uncertain future….

This initial investigation into Skunk Works isn’t intended as a love fest or adulation of its leaders. We need to understand that during the Cold War Blackbird era, they worked in a unique environment where global war was a profound concern. Therefore, product performance was often more important than cost. Moreover, the top manager of Skunk Works would have access to high government officials. This association would elevate and reinforce the Skunk Works manager’s authority and the importance of the Skunk Works projects. Furthermore, they had patriotic motivations and accepted some loss of life during testing, which are atypical of most commercial businesses.

Critically read this presentation of Skunk Works and the guidance generated from their experience. Take what you like, discard the rest. This investigation into a remarkable organization during the Cold War does provide helpful lessons to the designer, but we must be careful citing it as if it is an ultimate authority on how to design products. It provides valuable lessons. Lessons that need to be moderated by contemporary issues and technology. Moderated by the beautiful creativity of young designers who dream of designing wonderful things.

 This is an excerpt from my new book, "Intense Design: Product Design Lessons From Cold War Era Skunk Works" 

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