After their first flight, what did the Wright Brothers focus on to improve their designs?

After their first flight, the Wright Brothers focused on increasing flight distance and control as their primary objectives for improving their designs. Their initial flight at Kitty Hawk demonstrated that powered flight was possible, but it also highlighted the need for greater stability and maneuverability in their aircraft.

By concentrating on control, they could refine their wing warping technique, which allowed the pilot to steer the aircraft more effectively. This attention to control ultimately led to longer flights and safer operations, as they learned to manage the aircraft better in various conditions. As the planes became easier to handle, they could explore greater distances and perform more complex maneuvers, which were essential for the practical use of flight. The advancements in these areas laid the groundwork for the more sophisticated airplanes that would come later.

Focusing solely on engine power, weight reduction, or safety features, while important in the overall context of aviation development, did not drive their immediate post-first-flight improvements as effectively as the enhancements in flight distance and control.