Skip to Content
NEW ✨ AlphaMaze: Teaching LLMs to think visually
Handbook5. Menlo's PhilosophiesLateral Thinking using Withered Technology

Lateral Thinking using Withered Technology


“You’re better off picking a cheap technology (‘withered’) and using it in a new way (‘lateral’) rather than going for the predictable, cutting-edge next step.” — Nintendo’s Philosophy

Taking the long view

  • AI is in a rapid innovation phase
  • Staying grounded is essential as technologies shift and new tools emerge
  • We focus on what endures
  • Shiny objects can distract, we prioritize lasting value over hype
  • We aim to be relevant in 10 years, long-term thinking guides what we build and how we invest

Lateral thinking with withered technology

  • Solve real problems at affordable prices
  • Constraints drive creativity
  • Frugality is a strategy
  • Use validated, abundant, and well-understood tech
    • We ship hardware with default A6000s
    • Prioritize cost-effective materials without sacrificing quality
  • Optimize for accessibility over perfection

Why we do this

  • Resources are limited, but creativity isn’t
  • Smart choices let us do more with less
  • Frugality enables longevity
  • We build for people, not for accolades

How we operate

  • Fail cheaply
  • Launch early
  • Iterate often
  • Lower experimentation costs
  • Prioritize global accessibility through cost-efficiency
  • Focus on essential product features
Last updated on