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Posts Tagged ‘communication’

Embrace Ideas

October 18th, 2009 by Steve Swann | No Comments | Filed in Great Design, Ideas, Sharing, Thinking

I recently saw an article at Yanko Design on a designers “vision” for a Harley Davidson – circa 2020.

Somebody pass me a helmet and a time travel ship because if this is what Harley bikes look like in 10 years, I’m so there. Designer Miguel Cotto pays homage to the big road hogs by keeping the large 883cc engine, complete with high revs and roars. The similarities end there. The design is almost tron-like in execution. Check out the wheel hubs. They’re actually giant bearings. I do see glimpses of Harley DNA in the center chassis but seriously, can you image any road warriors riding this?

harley davidson 2020

What stunned me was the viciousness of the commentors’ criticism.

Hollow wheels: check. Utter lack of engineering know-how: check. Co-opting a brand that would never consider such a radical departure from their established aesthetic, much less one so shitty: check indeed.

This is a generic third-rate set of renders, and this is a designer I would expect is starving, given the stark lack of quality in his work.

and

Its funny…..you can always tell when somebody who is not familiar with the product that they are designing. So in the future safety and comfortability are a thing of the past? hmmm……can’t wait!

But there were some who had an open mind:

You folks need to let go of reality and just look at it for what it is; Wicked. I’m sure it can inspire someone to try something new. I think it would evolve into something a younger generation would want, rather than the old guard.

I was surprised that most of those who commented attacked the presentation of the idea or the idea itself. Virtually no one took the leap and “ran with the idea“. On a site and in a forum focused on presenting new designs and stretching the imagination this was really disappointing.

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When Yes means No

June 22nd, 2009 by Steve Swann | 4 Comments | Filed in Ideas, Sharing

That might sound like a strange title “When Yes means No”. If you read a little further I’m sure you’ll recognize it. In fact if you’re honest you’ve done it yourself. Hands up, confession – I’ve done it too!

We’ve all been in meetings or on a conference call were everyone is excitedly making their point. What’s often happening is that we’re trying to get an opening so that you can make our own. Right?

So, what do we all do to silence whoever is talking so we can say what we want to say. We say “Yes” – to get agreement – and then we say “BUT” – to move on to our point.

This is when YES means NO.

The reason for raising it here is that it’s a habit that closes our minds to other people’s ideas. We become so focused on our idea that we stop listening to others. What we really end up saying is NO – your idea is not as good as mine.

Next time there’s a “Yes, but” on your lips catch it a stop it before it comes out. If your really mean “No” then say so; and have a proper conversation about the idea or issue. Then move on.

If you really do mean “Yes”, then say it without qualification.


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Give your ideas power

June 15th, 2009 by Steve Swann | No Comments | Filed in Doing, Ideas, Sharing

Yesterday I shared examples of some interesting ways to visually present complex ideas or concepts. When presenting or sharing your ideas with others it’s often necessary to give a speech or presentation at the same time. Having a great idea is the first step, but getting others to understand and appreciate it is when the ideas really gets its power.

I don’t know about you but giving a presentation is not everyone’s favourite activity. I’ve done a few and with enough time for preparation and practice I do get kick out of it. Here is a great little video (4 minutes) from Francisco Dao for INC.com that give some really great tips on giving the best presentation you can. I also subscribe to Lisa B Marshall’s The Public Speaker Quick and Dirty Tips podcast through iTunes. This is a great resource and Lisa offers really good practical advice.



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