imperfect
Some owl species have uneven ear positions, with one ear higher than the other. This asymmetry allows them to pinpoint the location of prey more precisely by detecting sound differences between their ears.
Found in places like Eaglehawk Neck in Tasmania, these natural rock formations have cracked into rectangular blocks. The imperfections in the pattern allow for better drainage and reduce erosion.
When musicians make electronic music, they add in imperfections to stop it sounding too mechanical to the human ear. They make one beat or instrument play slightly out of sync with the rest. Perfect metronomic melody is not something the brain likes to listen to. We need imperfection in order to relate to music.
Let’s say we create a sketch. It’s really exciting, and then we think, “OK, this is going to make a great oil painting.” And now we spend months working on the painting. Many people find it hard, after putting months into a painting, to look back and say, “You know what? That first five-minute sketch is actually better than the painting. That’s the
... See moreRick Rubin • Creativity, According to Rick Rubin
Architects sometimes design buildings with intentional flaws, such as a “wabi-sabi” approach in Japanese aesthetics. These imperfections make the spaces feel lived-in and welcoming.
Known as the "Pratfall Effect," research shows people who make minor blunders are often perceived as more likeable.
The imperfections you’re tempted to fix might prove to be what make the work great.
Rick Rubin • The Creative Act: A Way of Being
Genetic mutations, though often seen as flaws, are essential for evolution. They introduce genetic diversity, enabling species to adapt to changing environments.
Damascus steel has impurities added for strength