---
id: "action-test-hardest-first"
type: "action-item"
source_timestamps: ["§ Smart Speed"]
tags: ["prototyping", "risk-mitigation"]
related: ["concept-smart-speed", "framework-rapid-risk-resolution"]
action: "Identify and physically test the most challenging element of a new project before refining the overall design."
outcome: "Early validation of core technical viability, preventing wasted time on doomed concepts."
speakers: ["Peter Beck"]
sources: ["tail2"]
sourceVaultSlug: "hbr-seg-tail2"
originDay: 2
articleStem: "hbr-tail-119-rocket-lab-founder"
sourceUrl: "https://hbr.org/2026/03/the-founder-of-rocket-lab-on-competing-with-billionaires-to-lead-in-space"
sourceTitle: "The Founder of Rocket Lab on Competing with Billionaires to Lead in Space"
---
# Test the Hardest Element First

Before refining designs or building out secondary systems, identify the single most challenging technical hurdle of a project and attempt to build/test it immediately. If it fails, you save time; if it succeeds, the rest of the project is de-risked. This is the operating principle behind [[concept-smart-speed]] (e.g., printing [[entity-product-rutherford|Rutherford]] parts before the design was finalized, and building unoptimized carbon-fiber vessels to test cryogenic storage).

**Action:** Identify and physically test the most challenging element of a new project before refining the overall design.

**Expected outcome:** Early validation of core technical viability, preventing wasted time on doomed concepts.