Mat

Something profound.

::: mat :::

This is an important talk about how A (art) is often forgotten when people talk about the core subjects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics that often provide a gateway to higher level jobs. Art may not necessarrily have a reputation for higher level jobs, but people who are creative often make the most difference. There are a lot of CEOs who have high levels of creativity. I’ll let John Maeda explain better…

Image courtesy of IDEO: http://www.designthinking for educators.com

Design Thinking has the power to create positive change in what are otherwise out-dated, or cumbersome, methods of working. Often, our educational system is critiqued to be old and out-dated. This is why I am so happy that one of my favorite design firms, IDEO, has created this critical resource for Educators, http://designthinkingforeducators.com. I’m excited to see the results of this site and the various ideas that come out of the process.

::: mat :::

AIGA National is preparing for a “one day think tank” about the future of the design profession. It sounds interesting and I can’t wait to see the results. Here is some more information about the event and how you can participate:

What: One Day for Design is a 24-hour live online conversation about the future of the design industry and what designers feel a professional association should be in the next decade. Moderators will Read the rest of this entry »

Once again, I’ve come across another T.E.D. talk that really resonates with me. The talk was by Rory Sutherland. He speaks of how companies who “sweat the small stuff” by paying attention to detail in their business actually get a greater response from their customers than companies who throw large amounts of money at really big and expensive ideas.

He goes on to talk about how people, companies, or governments who have really big budgets, tend to look toward really big and expensive ideas because they believe in the premise that big budgets an big ideas are what moves progress and drives customer response. He then proceeds to show examples where companies have paid attention to the smaller details, spent much less money, and created ten times the customer response. The impact of which was a positive and memorable customer experience.

I agree, and believe the idea of sweating the small stuff is important to understand for any business or organization. Also, like Rory, I would be interested to find out if someone can come up with a word to fit the model he created for his talk. I have re-created it below.

Whats the word for the greatest impact at the smallest price?

The word should define the process of creating ideas which have the greatest impact but cost the least amount of money.

I would encourage you to listen to his talk, think about the concept, and try and come up with the mystery word for that model. Also, try and think how in your life, or business you can incorporate this idea of sweating the small stuff.

::: mat :::

Why do you do what you do? Why do you believe what you believe? These are all questions we should be asking ourselves whether we are running a company, or living our individual lives. I believe that people really need to focus on why they are doing what they do and less on the results of what they do (paycheck/profit/gratification/acceptance).

Simon Sinek really wraps it up perfectly in this T.E.D. talk, and I couldn’t put it better. I would recommend that anyone who owns a company or is in a position of leadership to watch this video. In fact, I would wish that everyone watch the video.

::: mat :::