I caught Andrew’s suggestions on the “40” illustrations by Simon Smith today.
I thought the music selection of Jap-Jap’s “Blue Shimmery Fall” was great, so I put a video together in Windows Movie Maker – yes that’s right Thomas, you can do video with Windows XP :-).
Anyways, I thought it made for a great story and backing track.
I’d like to try it with Third Day’s “King of Glory” as well – but that will have to come at a later time, as I only have it on my Mp3 player and not on my Lappy 486.
Wired News has an interesting article on Steve Jobs buying a washing machine. The college drop out and Apple Computers Founder and CEO got his entire family envolved in discussing the design of their new washer and dryer.
In a 1996 interview, Steve said, “Design is a funny word. Some people think design means how it looks. But, of course, if you dig deeper, it’s really how it works. To design something really well, you have to ‘get it.’ You have to really grok what it’s all about.” (A geek’s word, to grok is a coinage of science-fiction writer R.A. Heinlein, meaning to understand something thoroughly by having empathy with it.)
I think we miss that many times in designing things and communicating messages.
I’ve designed websites in the past that really jump out at people because they look great, but in all reality they suck as a website, because they don’t work well. You can’t find the pages and information you want quickly.
A well designed newspaper is the same way. Not only does it look good, but the information is organized in a way that people can pick it up every day or every week and know exactly where they need to go to get the information they need.
GarrettDimon.com has a great theory about presenting ideas to clients. I think he may be on to something. In his article, One Idea is Better than Three he wrote:
If you present clients with multiple ideas and expect them to choose one, invariably, the end result is muted and diluted as the message of the different ideas gets blended together. This is what happens when you approach the situation with an offering.
Instead of spending time creating 3 differnt comps, ideas, or concepts, take aim at that one that’s great and make it amazing. Blow them out of the water. Leave them speachless. That’s guiding.
It’s really about taking them where you feel and know they need to go. You may be a little off course and that is to be expected. Believe it or not, your clients are looking to you for answers, and they want to help you find those answers. They are looking to you for guidance to the best solution.
While I really haven’t purposely tried this, I know from past experiences that presenting one plan or design to someone and then letting them see why you’re passionate about it tends to get them on board with whatever your idea is.
When people see that you’re passionate about something they tend to want that same fire and passion in their own life.
I can’t recall who said it, but they were right, “Preach always, use words if necessary.”
If people see a passion in our lives about Christ or life or a silly computer game, they will want to be a part of it.
So be passionate and live hard and strong.
Let the grace of God shine throughout your life.
