For an wonderful example of why it is so important to have a distinct point of view when one is trying to bring something new to life, look no further than this:
It's a daily dose of chutzpah, wit, and inspiration. The depth and breadth of expression to be found in the design of something as familiar as a pair of shoes provides this challenge to all of us: couldn't that thing you're doing be made even just a little better or more meaningful? Why keep doing the same thing without first asking why? Why look like everything else on the market?