107: Compassion and tolerance

If we design something so cool and simple that nobody can use it because the intended audience uses it so often that options are buried frustratingly deep – instead of letting them learn faster ways of doing things – is it really all that cool? Products for editing complex video, for instance, should give videographers power, not coolness.
Sometimes simple is better than power.

It’s why you use the computer you do. Or the phone you have. Or the car you drive, or the brand of shoes you wear. Few of those things were bought purely for functionality and price.
What do you value? How can you reveal that in your work, so that those like you can find you and buy as an expression of their shared belief?

“The project wasn’t successful because our competitors didn’t play fair.”
“The project was a learning experience which informed what we’re doing next.”
Both of these statements can be true about the same body of work.

By exploring and refining craft, we often experience more passion for that craft as we progress. Passion isn’t the point, though: craftsmanship is the point.
Instead of “Do work you’re passionate about”, we should become advocates of “Refine your craft and try new things” – the results could be more fulfilling than you know.

If you pull an all-nighter, do you get more done?
Most would agree that the lack of sleep will have a real impact on your working IQ, diminishing your output and quality of life.
What about multitasking – do you get more done then?

People don’t just buy your products. They buy why they exist. They buy as an expression of a shared belief.
If you’re opinion neutral, there’s no reason to buy beyond the need for an essential, marginalized commodity.
Are you opinion neutral? How can you be a little more yourself, for the benefit of your work and for those you wish to serve?