For all creative people who already have a startup or are just thinking about it, I recommend reading Blair Enns’ book “The Win Without Pitching. Manifesto.” It’s only 126 pages, but on each one, you can find something that touches your soul and keeps you thinking. The Manifesto begins with a Mark Twain's quote: “If you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” Powerful, right? The book really struck a chord with me because it addresses relevant and important topics. Perhaps it will help you save time in finding some solutions that are revealed in it. At the very least, you will find food for thought in terms of buying and selling. P.S. And the cover of the book is just perfect for me - a black background with red letters - pure pleasure 🤤
There is an intriguing book about design mistakes that can maim or even kill, and how to avoid them. It discusses the roles and responsibilities of designers, the battle against dumb mistakes and users, and how design can infuriate and exclude human traits and flaws. This is “Tragic Design” by Jonathan Shariat and Cynthia Savard Saucier, a 220-page book written in English. The book is worth reading; it’s incredibly interesting. For example, in the second chapter, “Design Can Kill,” four situations are analyzed where product interface errors led to fatal consequences. Situation 1: A radiation therapy device that “shot” patients with a beam of 17k rad, 85 times the standard dose. Situation 2: A ferry where the gas and brake pedals switched places depending on the mode. Situation 3: A car that locked its doors and caught fire from a rear-end collision, killing at least 180 people. Situation 4: An airplane that crashed into a mountain because it confused degrees with vertical speed.
Dieter Rams’ principles of good design: 1️⃣ Innovative Opens up something new. Aging design during technological development equals the death of a product. 2️⃣ Useful A product is bought en masse when it is functional and meets psychological and aesthetic criteria. 3️⃣ Aesthetic Daily use affects users’ well-being, so only well-made, convenient items can be beautiful. 4️⃣ Understandable Intuitive, explaining the product’s structure. 5️⃣ Unobtrusive Design should be neutral and restrained, making products tools in the user’s hands. 6️⃣ Honest Not embellishing itself, not manipulating the user and hiding nothing. 7️⃣ Long-lasting Not chasing trends or fashion, existing beyond them and serving for many years. 8️⃣ Thorough Carefulness and accuracy show respect for users, focusing on their needs. 9️⃣ Environmentally friendly Conserves resources, minimizes pollution and increases the use of eco-materials. 🔟 Minimal Less is better. Simplify or remove unnecessary elements.
He is now a 91-year-old legend. Who is he?.. Meet Dieter Rams, the architect of modern design 😏 Dieter Rams revolutionized the design of Braun and Vitsoe, with their appliances and furniture still being copied today. He created minimalist buttons and dials, the first transparent cover for record players (nicknamed “Snow White’s Coffin”), and angled hairdryer handles for easier use. Rams showed that bulky items could be compact and aesthetic, making innovations more convenient and attractive. Every product is a “mini-sculpture.” His designs became more compact with dark tones, fewer screws, and extreme simplification. For 30 years, black was popular in household appliance design. Rams’ design department was the first to be involved in high-level business decisions. Jonathan Ive (Apple’s designer) fully embraced Rams’ principles, initially copying the calculator, light clock, and record player, and designing them through the lens of iPhone apps, earning praise from Rams.
When the weather changes and your mood starts to swing on an emotional rollercoaster, sometimes it helps to listen to the sky and the clouds. At least for me. How to do it? - It’s quite simple. Just try to listen 😉 👇🏻 http://listentothe.cloud/