May, 2009

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May 09

Desktop Metaphors

Steven Frank writes about how the computer interface has evolved, and where it is going”

“There have really only been two dominant UI metaphors in the short history of desktop computing:

  • Keyboard + command line
  • Mouse + desktop

A third metaphor, the pen, never really gained much traction. [...]

History then brings us to a fourth metaphor, direct interaction via multitouch, introduced to most people by the iPhone. It’s possibly the biggest new UI approach to hit the mass-market in recent memory.”

He goes on to contemplate the value of the “file system”, a potential direction towards “web apps” and more.  I’ve often wondered where things will go long term. The issue seems to be the ever-efficient keyboard. Despite loving the usability of my iPhone, writing an email is still far more precise and quick on a full sized keyboard.

Where do you think we are going next? More of multitouch? Voice recognition?

[via Daring Fireball]

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15
May 09

Quote: Ferrazzi

“In the information age, success is less about efficiency than effectiveness—that is, the ability to get the right things done, rather than just the ability to do things right.” [via Change This Who’s Got Your Back]

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May 09

Revolutionary Change

Ken Stewart contemplates Is Change an Evolution or a Revolution?:

“My take away from all this is that change is necessary and should be embraced. While I do not subscribe to the bleeding edge mentality of the early adopters, I do see reason behind consistently driving towards necessary evolution. In so doing, you can best position your company, and yourself, against stagnation while ensuring sustainable and measurable growth is an achievable reality.”

I would agree that change is easiest when it can be continuous, small, and evolutionary. Everyone likes small steps. But I would still argue that there are many situations where neglecting to continuously improve, or being in the middle of a rapidly changing environment (such as the tech industry) leave little value in the small steps — revolutions are needed just to keep from being left in the dust.

Moore’s Law predicted doubling of computer capacity every 2 years since 1965. That’s revolutionary change, not evolutionary. Evolutionary would be more like 10% better a year.

If you want to be competitive, revolutionary change is your only option.

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8
May 09

Rising Stars

“’Have we made it impossible for bright rising stars and maverick go-getters to live within our organization?’ When we become too preoccupied with policy, procedure, and the fine-tuning of conformity to organizational standards, in effect, we have squeezed out some of our most gifted people.” – Hans Finzel, “The Top Ten Mistakes Leaders Make”

George Ambler said: “Mavericks are essential in every organization. Giving them the encouragement and space to contribute makes all the difference. Mavericks matter… because they bring us the future.”

[via The Practice of Leadership, Are you making room for Mavericks?]

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4
May 09

The Net Effect

From On The Media “The Net Effect“, Lee Rainie said:

“One of the surprising things we found in that survey was that those who are the most technologically adept and those who are the most engaged with information actually are not in the echo chamber pattern; they are actually seeking out and finding out more arguments opposed to their views than those who are less technologically adept and less interested in political information.”

Or perhaps another way to say it: those who are technologically adept tend to have more balanced viewpoints.

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