sustainable systems & storytelling
Gone are the days of home cooking, timeliness fashion, and handcrafted tables. The modern world is instead saturated with fast food, trendy clothing, and build-it-yourself plywood furniture. People buy what's cheap and convenient, gradually filling their homes with poorly-built junk. Everywhere we look, there are too many unnecessary things. I'm currently taking a online course... Continue Reading →
In his latest blog post, Seth Godin discusses the triumph of everyday design, arguing that simplicity is often superior to luxury when it comes to function and usability. That sink with an intricate, motion-sensing faucet is more difficult to turn on and more likely to make a mess than the standard model. Luxury goods used to... Continue Reading →
When I was ten years old, my family took a trip to Denver, Colorado. One evening, my mom kissed me on the forehead and told me she would be speaking at a seminar. In inhaled the sweet scent of her perfume as she handed me a large science kit and told me to have fun... Continue Reading →
Several months ago, I signed up for a course on Human-Centered Design. The class began this week, and it has already opened my eyes to the ways in which our world often neglects human factors when creating or revisiting products and systems. We design aesthetically stunning marble showers, in which people slip and injure themselves.... Continue Reading →
Before my cousin passed away, his arm was amputated and he was left to figure out creative ways to approach his old habits and hobbies. He quickly figured how to manipulate his video game controller with his toes, and soon thereafter discovered a one-handed game controller, which offered continuity--an opportunity to enjoy his favorite video games under... Continue Reading →
My boss once led a manager's meeting in which he explained the true meaning of project management. Project management does not involve showing up to work, drafting out a to-do list, and then methodically checking tasks off as complete. Rather, a true project manager views every chore in their life, from their daily commute to... Continue Reading →
Though I attended yearly STEM camps as a child, I don't think I fully grasped what STEM careers entailed. I knew that scientists conducted research and that medical professions helped people to heal, and I suspected that the technology field was filled with nerdy computer programmers like my dad. No one ever explained to me... Continue Reading →
If you can't measure it, you can't manage it; if you can't manage it, you can't improve it. I advanced quickly at my current job. Productivity and efficiency are some of my core values, so it was easy to apply the mindset and tactics to my work. Even the smallest productivity gain, say 1% monthly... Continue Reading →
Have you ever been absolutely stuck on a problem, then recognize the solution as soon as you step into the shower or slip out from under the barbell? If so, you have experienced defocalization. Scientific discovery and innovative ideas often originate from a combination of focalized and defocalized consciousness. You zoom in on your project,... Continue Reading →
