The Exclusion Paradox — Social Physics trigger illustration
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SOCIAL PHYSICS

THE EXCLUSION PARADOX

MECHANISM

Make people want in by implying they might be out. Not everyone can have this. Not everyone gets it.

? THE QUESTION

"How do we make this feel exclusive without being exclusionary?"

PROCESS

Work through these questions to generate ideas:

  1. What barrier to entry implies value?
  2. What 'members only' signal can we send?
  3. What knowledge separates those who 'get it'?
  4. What subtle code identifies fellow members?

EXAMPLES

Ideas in this space might look like:

  • American Express Black Card—you can't apply, you must be invited
  • Crypto ad: 'If you know, you know'—creating tribal knowledge
  • Members-only bourbon club with a visible 10,000-person waitlist
  • Restaurant with no sign, no menu, no website—only word of mouth

HOW IT WORKS

Your Product
YOUR PRODUCT
+
THE QUESTION
"How do we make this feel exclusive without being exclusionary?"
=
Breakthrough Idea
BREAKTHROUGH IDEA

REAL WORLD EXAMPLES

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"How do we make this feel exclusive without being exclusionary?"