The Intersection of Creativity and Programming: Insights from Milad Nouri
In the world of programming, it’s easy to assume that coding is simply a matter of logic, structure, and technical know-how. Yet, as Milad Nouri eloquently explains in his recent appearance on Cozy Corner with Hossein Nasiri, programming is far more than a mechanical task—it is an art form, a canvas for creativity, where every problem presents an opportunity to innovate. Milad, a programmer, software developer, and CEO of TookanTech, has become a prominent figure in Iran’s startup and IT ecosystem, and his reflections on creativity and programming offer invaluable insights for aspiring developers, entrepreneurs, and anyone engaged in creative pursuits.
Milad’s story is deeply intertwined with his passion for solving problems and pushing the boundaries of what programming can achieve. In this extended reflection on his appearance on Cozy Corner, we will explore how Milad views creativity in programming, how personal experiences fuel his innovations, and why the marriage of technical skills and creativity is essential for success in today’s evolving digital landscape.
Creativity in Programming: Beyond the Code
For many, the idea of creativity may seem out of place in the context of programming. But for Milad, creativity is at the heart of every coding endeavor. He views programming as a dynamic puzzle, where each piece must be arranged in a way that not only solves the problem but does so in a novel and user-centric manner. Milad’s analogy of cracking a walnut without a hammer perfectly encapsulates this mindset—when the conventional tools or solutions are unavailable, it is the programmer’s creativity that enables them to find a new way to solve the problem.
In the interview, Milad emphasizes that creativity is not an innate quality reserved for a select few but a skill that can be developed and honed over time. He believes that anyone can become more creative if they consistently challenge themselves to think outside the box and approach problems from different perspectives. This mindset is what has allowed Milad to create some of his most successful projects, such as the unofficial Android version of Clubhouse and the Payamestan app. Both of these projects emerged from a need to solve a problem—one providing Android users access to Clubhouse when it was exclusive to iOS, and the other addressing a gap in Persian-language SMS apps.
Milad’s creativity goes beyond writing functional code; it extends into product design. He stresses that a successful programmer must also possess a touch of product design skills. By putting themselves in the shoes of the user, programmers can create solutions that are not only technically sound but also user-friendly and practical. This product-oriented mindset is a key component of Milad’s approach to programming and has helped him stand out in a competitive industry.
The Role of Curiosity and Personal Experience in Innovation
Throughout the interview, Milad reflects on how his personal experiences have shaped his creative process. He recalls instances from his childhood where his curiosity led him to experiment with gadgets, often to the bewilderment of his parents. This natural inquisitiveness, combined with a fearless approach to trial and error, has carried over into his professional life. Milad views every challenge, whether personal or professional, as an opportunity to learn and grow.
One of the most striking examples of Milad’s ability to transform personal curiosity into a practical solution is his development of the Payamestan app. This SMS app, which gained over a million active users, was born out of a simple observation: people were still heavily using SMS for communication, despite the growing popularity of messaging apps like Viber. While others might have dismissed SMS as outdated, Milad saw an opportunity to create a product that catered to this user base. His willingness to pay attention to the needs and behaviors of users, even in areas that didn’t personally interest him, allowed him to develop a highly successful product that filled a real gap in the market.
Milad’s creativity is not limited to grand projects. He is constantly tinkering with ideas, whether it’s designing a Chrome extension to prevent phishing attacks or organizing his personal tasks using tools like Trello. He compares his process of creativity to solving a puzzle, where each new challenge adds a piece to the bigger picture. By breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable components, Milad is able to maintain a steady flow of creativity while avoiding overwhelm.
Balancing Technical Skills with Creativity
While technical skills are essential for any programmer, Milad argues that they are not enough to excel in today’s rapidly evolving tech industry. With the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, which can handle many of the more mechanical aspects of programming, the value of creativity has never been higher. As AI continues to automate routine coding tasks, the programmers who stand out will be those who can think creatively, solve complex problems, and design solutions that go beyond the basics.
Milad encourages programmers to take a more holistic approach to their work, combining technical proficiency with creative thinking and soft skills such as communication and empathy. These soft skills are crucial for understanding the user’s needs and designing products that provide real value. By focusing on the bigger picture and considering how their work will be used in the real world, programmers can create solutions that are both innovative and practical.
This approach is evident in Milad’s work on the unofficial Android version of Clubhouse. When Clubhouse was initially launched, it was only available for iOS users, leaving a significant portion of the market—Android users—without access. Rather than waiting for an official Android version to be released, Milad took matters into his own hands and developed an unofficial version that allowed Android users to join the platform. His solution was not only technically impressive but also addressed a real need in the market, earning him widespread recognition.
The Importance of Practice and Persistence
Milad’s belief that creativity can be developed through practice is central to his philosophy. He encourages aspiring programmers to challenge themselves by taking on projects that push them beyond their current skill level. By doing so, they can gradually build their creative muscles and become more adept at solving complex problems.
One of the ways Milad practices creativity is by constantly engaging with new ideas and projects, even outside of his regular work hours. In the interview, he describes how he often works late into the night, experimenting with new concepts and refining his skills. For Milad, programming is not just a job—it’s a passion and a way of life. This deep love for what he does drives him to continuously seek out new challenges and opportunities for growth.
Milad also stresses the importance of being proactive in developing one’s skills. He advises programmers to take the initiative in learning new technologies and tools, such as AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT, and to use these tools to enhance their creativity. Rather than seeing AI as a threat to their jobs, Milad views it as an opportunity to streamline routine tasks and focus on more creative and strategic aspects of programming.
Turning Creativity into Practical Solutions
While creativity is essential, Milad is quick to point out that it must be channeled into practical solutions. In his view, creativity that does not lead to tangible outcomes is not fully realized. He gives the example of his Be Sure Chrome extension, which helps users verify the security of online payment portals. This simple yet effective tool was developed with the end-user in mind, particularly older individuals who may not be familiar with the technical aspects of online security. By putting himself in the user’s shoes, Milad was able to design a product that addressed a specific need and provided real value.
Milad’s ability to turn creative ideas into practical solutions is what sets him apart as a programmer and entrepreneur. He is not content with merely solving problems—he wants to create products that have a meaningful impact on users’ lives. This drive to make a difference is what motivates him to keep innovating, even in areas where others might not see potential.
Conclusion: The Creative Programmer
Milad Nouri’s journey offers a powerful example of how creativity and programming can coexist and thrive together. His approach to problem-solving, his passion for learning, and his ability to think beyond the code have allowed him to create products that address real-world needs and make a lasting impact. For Milad, programming is not just about writing lines of code—it’s about finding creative solutions to complex problems and designing products that provide real value to users.
As the tech industry continues to evolve, the role of creativity in programming will only become more important. AI tools may take over routine coding tasks, but they cannot replace the creative thinking and problem-solving abilities that make great programmers stand out. Milad’s insights serve as a reminder that creativity is not a luxury in programming—it is a necessity. By embracing creativity, developing a product-oriented mindset, and continuously challenging themselves, programmers can unlock their full potential and create solutions that truly matter.
For those looking to follow in Milad’s footsteps, the message is clear: don’t just write code—create something that makes a difference.
