Beaten by Google...

Google came up with Notebook. My Hack Day product concept was very close to this idea. I was beaten by Google. The idea itself is not so unique; but the way a product is thought make it so poweful.

Now I really respect Google. The indeed are innovative and people there definitely have a good eye for observation. Notebook requirement was already there to be recognized, they just made it before I can.

The worst part is that Notebook not only does similar things but does it in a similar fashion to my idea. So the only consolidation I have is to say...if Google with their most innovative team can come up with a product which is so close to my concept (which was done just in a day)...then I'm on the right side of the FENCE. But still my idea goes a little far than Google’s. There is still so much they can do with it...which I’m sure they will. They indeed took my glory :(

But with all respect to innovators of Google...I really take this challenge to beat Google next time. I don’t know if I'll ever accomplish it...but this is my motivation and the driver. The best way to beat them is by "thinking ahead of Time". 'Time' it seems is the most crucial aspect. I have just started my career (I'm doing my final project to complete by Masters in Design)...so I have a long way to go.

Some day...I will be ahead of time...

Unfolding the Layers…

The more and more I work on research the more feeling I get that problems have a LAYERS.

There is a ‘covering layer’…a layer which can be easily seen by most people. Problem in this layer could be found very easily. The best way to judge is to give the problem statement to others and ask them to figure out the problems. If you have not found any unique problem that the other could you are very well on the ‘covering layer’.

Behind this layer lies another layer. Let’s call it the “Middle Layer”. With very good “understanding of the problem”, “Vision”, “Intention & motivation”, “Knowledge about the topic”, “EYE for Observation” and “Very good Methodology” you can uncover the middle layer. This layer would lead to lots of other issues which the covering layer missed out. And possibly this will let you related the 'source' or 'problems' together. Most Research which get published work in this layer…

But there is more…I have never reached there but I very strongly feel there is another layer beneath the Middle Layer – the “Core”. The core should uncover the real problem; a design solution here would really solve most issues and take design to the next biggest level – “close to a perfect solution”- though ideally there can not be a 100% accurate solution in design. To uncover this I think you need wisdom, loads of experience and knowledge.

This may sound a little philosophical, its just what I feel. But this is my driving force - 'find the core'.

Hack Day Prize

I won 2nd Prize for my Hack in Yahoo! Hack Day Competition.

The awards were given by Terry (CEO of Yahoo!) and the founder Jerry Yang.

Have alook at the Video


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlZvXMgoJhA

Music & Design - WOOW

While being associated with Design for about 7 years now; I’m slowly getting to know a very small part of it. Recently I was going through the Larry Tesler’s presentation on ‘WOW’.

Who is Larry and what is WOW? Good question. Well Larry is currently the VP of Design at Yahoo! One of the founders of Interaction Design.

And ‘WOW’ is the feeling one gets one we see something and says “WOW” :)

Anyways reflecting on the WOWness in design yesterday. One of the most successful designs – both in my architecture and new media design – I have made (which had a ‘some’ WOW) had been made by a lot of PASSION. These are Projects in which I have given my heart out- I have ‘lived’ them.

I have been playing flute for about 10 years for now. And with what ever little experience I have of music; I know when is my music touching others heart. It’s when I’m playing through my ‘heart’. If you can’t play through your heart you will never be able to reach the heart of the audience. If I can't feel my music how will the audience?

I guess the same rule applies to Design. No matter what process you follow; if you are not Passionate about your project. You can NEVER create the WOW. Like music you have to feel it through your heart first and only then can you even ‘think’ of generating the WOW in others.

The reason why Apple iPods or Macs generates WOW is because it’s made with passion (at least I feel the WOW in them). It touches the heart and imagination because it’s made with ‘Heart’.