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Some Truths About Design
What are some things which may be true about design that seem to be ignored or looked over? Could there be truths about communication and design we would be best to run with, rather than continue with tradition? Possibly. Let’s explore a few. For example, how long does it actually take to “do design?“ That depends on what someone means by doing design. For many people, design is strictly aesthetics. And because it is looked at as strictly aesthetics, the truth about design is not really realized because other support structures are put in place to make up for not paying attention to the things that are beyond the aesthetics (user flow, training, surge efficiency, network performance, security, etc. Continue reading →
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Q1 2022 Avanceé Article Summaries
Running off to quieter platforms is often a decent way to make a distinct sound amongst the others. However, until traction happens, the quieter platforms often can use a boost. This, is that boost. The following articles are derived from projects and interactions from this quarter and slightly before. A Bit Off the Cuff A peek into the thoughts inside this Avanceé initiative as it started year three. Read Article Continue reading →
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Disabling Conversations
While establishing this initiative, several conversations about its purpose and validity have come about. Often, these conversations start with a well-meaning, “are you able to do…?” And while often the answer is yes, there’s often a follow up question which may derail the intent. " As a result of (this item being done), how does your mission or vision prove its success? “ Unfortunately, for many new companies this can come across as disabling - in part because many people do not think far beyond the outputs they are asking for. Continue reading →
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A View of Tomorrow
Sometimes we look at the future as something so far off that it’s almost unimaginable. But what happens when we look at the future and consider that it’s not only attainable, but the route to getting there is probably a series of smaller steps? What does the organization, or it’s leaders, do to instigate an attachment to that future view, while also fostering a sense of accomplishment in the now? Perhaps, it’s nothing more than being a great storyteller. Continue reading →
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Design’s Dialects
Across a few previous projects, one shape of deliverable was a data dictionary, or some type of subject-genre lexicon. The prevailing thought for this: a set of orders for the collective members of the team to understand the work to be done, and then translate into a comment language for outcomes (those created and those external). Sensemaking methods were used to establish common terms. In one project, this lexicon became a sprawling mess of pages, terms, external references, and eventually a consolidated playbook. Continue reading →
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One-Button Successes
“Can you help me just get this process down to where I can click one button and it does what I need?” There’s an anxiety and an excitement in these kinds of questions. Partially because it meets at the very thin intersection between outputs and outcomes. And at this boundary-place, there’s a navigation of expectations and enablement which can make or break an engagement. It’s in this space where the phrase (re)engineering complexity gets its legs. Continue reading →
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Sharpening A Few Arrows
Have been encouraged over the past few weeks with several conversations about what this initiative is about. Into that end, many of those conversations have sparked a few refinements to previous ideas. In some cases, they’ve confirmed approaches, while in other cases they’ve lent a different perspective. What’s been good about this is the journaling that happens afterwards, it offers an opportunity to sharpen some of those arrows for eventual offerings or experiments. Continue reading →
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Three Leg Table
Over the course of many years of mentoring and coaching, there’s been a common axiom shared with folks to help them identify a specific gap in development/maturity: A three legged table is very stable. What legs do you have? Many people do not realize that in personal and professional matters, it makes sense to have a balance of three layers of people around you. The first layer, teacher/mentor. The second layer, best friend(s)/road buddy. Continue reading →
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Podcast: Theology and the Metaverse
The other week, got a chance to hang with an old friend Nigel Scott (@ExCapite) on his new podcast conversations space Wealthy Tiger. The topic of this conversation started around the idea of the metaverse being another theological expression. And per usual, the conversation took some delightful routes (rites of passage, the depth of connecting, and more). Take a watch or listen and use your social spaces to comment and add variety (tag us on Twitter via @AvanceeAgency). Continue reading →
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A Bit Off the Cuff
Over the past many weeks, have had several conversations, and really insightful pieces of wisdom from various persons, about the future of Avanceé. One of the things very clear about this initiative is that it’s something that really doesn’t require a lot of thought to get behind. When explaining the intention for this initiative, it resonates very quickly. But I think most of that comes from the aspect of being able to knit someone’s context to the story of reengineering complexity. Continue reading →
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