Tell me. How good are we as a company at coming up with an excellent solution? What is the variability in our solutions depending on the teams we assemble? I was listening to the “People I mostly admire” podcast with an interview with Daniel Kahneman. https://freakonomics.com/podcast/daniel-kahneman-on-why-our-judgment-is-flawed-and-what-to-do-about-it-people-i-mostly-admire-ep-27/ They were talking about his book Noise. In the conversation… Continue reading 1% Everyday – Noise in Organizational Decision Making
Tag: learning
1% Everyday – Stop trying to get people to say yes … you want “No”
It is very hard for people to say yes. Saying yes is a commitment with too much ambiguity. Trying to get someone to “yes” will always slow down the process. Saying “no” is always the easiest. “People have been conditioned to expect hidden hooks in yes. They’ve been trapped by it in the past. Someone has… Continue reading 1% Everyday – Stop trying to get people to say yes … you want “No”
1% Everyday – Human memory and chunking (Miller’s law)
Have you ever thought about why it is easier to remember a 10-digit phone number than just 10 numbers? For example: read the following 7 3 4 2 1 6 1 5 8 1 Close your eyes and repeat the 10 numbers … Now if I show it as a telephone number 734 – 216-… Continue reading 1% Everyday – Human memory and chunking (Miller’s law)
1% everyday – Visual design and Gestalt principles
When talking about visual perception the most enduring explanation is the Gestalt principles. Smashing has a good article: https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2014/03/design-principles-visual-perception-and-the-principles-of-gestalt/ Visual Principles (Gestalt): Visual Principles (Gestalt) examples: Similarity: shapes, color, size Continuation: paths, lines, curves, flow Closure: complete shapes, perceived completeness Proximity: proximity of objects create a perceived larger shape Figure/ground: visual separation of figures from backgrounds… Continue reading 1% everyday – Visual design and Gestalt principles
Understanding Project Context: What are the Tools of Engagement?
At the beginning of each project it can be exciting to dive right in and learn about the client. However, there are a few basic logistical items to address with regard to which tools facilitate our work together. I have a system to share with each client. Some clients choose to let me access their systems internally and others don’t… Continue reading Understanding Project Context: What are the Tools of Engagement?
Understanding Project Context: What is your product management process?
Each organization I have worked with over the years has a different process for product management. Many of the front line (or basic) activities may be the same but who employees report to, what they are responsible for, and how they take direction, is different in each organization. What organization does Product Management report to? Product?… Continue reading Understanding Project Context: What is your product management process?
Understanding Project Context: What is the software development process?
Before we start the project in earnest, we need to examine the client’s product development process. In many projects, I work closely with the development/technical teams. Understanding how the development process functions is key to working effectively in the organization and influencing the direction of the implemented solution. What process does development follow? Is the process documented?… Continue reading Understanding Project Context: What is the software development process?
Understanding Project Context: How is the product sold?
In the software engineering world, the technical folks rarely interact with the sales folks. Teams focus on features and delivery dates so the only message engineering may get from sales is to deliver fast and early so they can close more deals. Gaining a better understanding how the product is sold will frame how the organization expects the… Continue reading Understanding Project Context: How is the product sold?
Understanding Project Context: Who are your clients & users?
When I begin a project and start digging in, I need to understand what you know about your clients and users. A verbal walk-through and a pointer to representative case studies will help kick off the learning process. Any description, profile, or conversations with clients and users will help frame what is known. Tell me about… Continue reading Understanding Project Context: Who are your clients & users?
Understanding Project Context: Who is your competition?
When starting a project it is so easy to jump straight to ideas and potential solutions. Too often it is an afterthought to discuss the competition. Understanding what the competition is and where they are succeeding helps frame the space and the expectations set for the project. Which companies do you regularly encounter today when selling… Continue reading Understanding Project Context: Who is your competition?
Understanding Project Context: What are your current products?
Let’s take an initial look at your products and users. Walk me through end to end like a user interacting with your products. What are the various ways an end user might interact with the company to get their work done? Let’s follow that trail and orient me to your current solutions. Here we can go into… Continue reading Understanding Project Context: What are your current products?
Understanding Project Context: What are the current technologies used?
Given the different products you have as well as the skills in house, describe the technologies you have. Understanding current technologies provides me with a frame of reference for what you are comfortable with and how the organization sees the world. What technology do you use? What are the skill sets of the employees you have? Why was… Continue reading Understanding Project Context: What are the current technologies used?
Understanding Project Context: What business are you in?
Even when I have a lot of experience working within a domain, it is crucial to get the business perspective from you, the client. Beyond your marketing materials and your website to what you really do. Understanding the direction and focus of your business will help frame the solutions we explore. What business are you in?… Continue reading Understanding Project Context: What business are you in?