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Sensemaking: Learning and Working
To some of us, “sensemaking” isn’t work. It’s an adventure… a self-fueled, sometimes even self-directed, path of discovery. When every “job to be done” is looked at thru the lens of sensemaking, it makes sense why some folks don’t find pleasure in work, it isn’t their sense - Source Been sitting on an intersection between working and learning - sensemaking. Sensemaking is a term worth marking this street post due to its ability to signal disorganization and profitability no matter now it branches. Continue reading →
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Comfort, Friction
Been doing this thing a little bit more frequently lately where when people are asking what Avanceé is, a demonstration happens. Specifically found on hardware (rings being worn, glasses being worn at that moment), or the flexibility that a desired platform does or doesn’t show (some funky workflows via Apple Shortcuts, AirTable play, or something a tick further in scope). And it’s really interesting how these interactive moments confirm routes for folks to consider whether or not their use of connected technologies is taking them forward or leaving them static in a changing world. Continue reading →
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Data Analysis is Weird
Something of an “off the cuff” title to this, but in thinking about a few items which have been in the inbox lately, it kind of makes sense. For example, one of the items in the inbox is of a session am currently conducting where folks have more or less needed to learn the basics of a specific analysis tool. The customer wants to move towards targeted trainings for specific features, but hasn’t yet identified what data points make the most sense for realizing success. Continue reading →
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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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