# Eric Wilhelm, Founder of Instructables (INTERVIEW) By Rachel | Published 2009-07-15 | Updated 2009-07-25 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eric-wilhelm-interview References: [instructables](http://www.instructables.com) Eric Wilhelm founded Instructables, a collection of step-by-step ‘how to’ guides. Thanks to Wilhelm and a collective of dedicated [DIY fans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinkr), you can learn how to create things you didn’t even know you wanted. Eric Wilhelm recently talked to us about the role trend hunting plays in his work with Instructables. **12 Questions with Eric Wilhelm** **1. How did you get involved with Instructables and what motivates you to continue?** I started the company: [Instructables](http://www.instructables.com/id/How_to_Start_a_Business_1/). **2. How significant are the topics of cool hunting and trend spotting to Instructables?** Not at all. **3. How do you define a trend?** I don’t have a personal definition. Standard English will do. **4. How do you define cool?** Something that makes me want to use it, do it myself, or possibly just smile. **5. Do you need a culture of innovation to create something that is cool?** No. **6. What is the best way to create an infectious idea, product or service?** Create something you yourself will buy. **7. What is the key to innovation?** Ideas are easy; execution is what matters. **8. What is the most important trend you see in your industry?** Better broadband access for more people. **9. What are your ambitions for Instructables?** To inspire everyone who comes to the site to start or finish their own project. **10. How do you reset yourself to be creative? Do you have any rituals?** Long bike rides; kitesurfing. **11. Professionally, what do you want to be doing in 10 years?** Continue having a blurred distinction between business and fun. **12. What are your most important hobbies?** [Home renovation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-depot-creator-portal), [experimental cooking](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whisk-recipe), kitesurfing. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.2/10 - Popularity: 5% | Activity: 54% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Interviews](https://www.trendhunter.com/interviews) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **DIY Culture:** Disruptive innovation opportunities lie in creating platforms that facilitate and support the growing DIY culture, like Instructables. - **Broader Broadband Access:** Companies that focus on improving broadband access for more people can tap into a key trend in the industry, providing disruptive innovation opportunities. - **Infectious Ideas:** Creating and promoting infectious ideas, products, and services will be a key disruptive innovation opportunity in the industry. ### Who This Affects Most - **Online Learning Platforms:** Online learning platforms, like Instructables, can take advantage of the DIY trend and disrupt the education industry. - **Telecommunications:** Telecommunications companies can capitalize on the trend of expanding broadband access to disrupt the industry and provide better connectivity for more people. - **Creative Advertising:** Innovative advertising agencies that focus on creating and promoting infectious ideas can disrupt the traditional advertising industry and attract a larger audience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Entrepreneurial Journey Insights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/founder-folks.md) - [Impressive DIY Terrariums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-terrarium1.md) - [DIY Home-Centric Intricate Toolkits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinkr-toolkit.md) - [Play-Inspiring Workshops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inspiring-workshops.md) - [Immersive DIY Conventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-con.md) - [Entrepreneur Brand-Building Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/indielogs.md) - [Creator Community Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-builders-cohort.md) - [STEM-Inspired Balance Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balance-bike1.md) - [Creative Career Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/designwhiz-v2.md)