🐱‍👤 Have you ever hacked something?

I came across this question in the YC application:

Please tell us about the time you most successfully hacked some (non-computer) system to your advantage.

Honestly, this was probably my favorite question =)

I’m curious to hear people’s stories because I think it tests something very important: the creative side of problem-solving.

For us, it was hacking a system that basically didn’t even exist in our country.

The animation industry!

Years ago, we didn’t have animation education, courses, or many internet resources to learn from in our country.

So we hacked it =D

We created our own way of learning, grew animators and other artists, built our own processes, and eventually ran one of the leading animation studios in our country.

Looking back, I think this taught me a lot about finding a way when there simply isn't a ready-made path.

So what about you?

What’s the most creative way you’ve ever hacked a non-computer system to your advantage?