[Sigia-l] We could just use whiteboards instead.

[Stewart Dean]

At 11:50 18/08/2003 -0400, Listera wrote:
>"Adrian Howard" wrote:
>
> > Instead we posted (yes - snail mail!) a bunch of screen shots to her.
> > She printed them out, scribbled on them, and then faxed them back again.
>
>So you are giving this as an example of (to use that nauseating term) 'best
>practices'? This is the future? I'm sure people thought spittoons were
>essential amenities at one time, too. :-)

Ziya

I've been listening to this debate having inadvertently started it.

I think the fundamental thing that appears to be happening is you are 
finding hi-tech solutions to low tech problems - adding needless layers of 
complexity. Requiring a managing director to learn how type boxes into 
visio is not the way to communicate with that person.

There have been some great examples that mirror my experiences  that show 
analog media provides the best and simplest route to communal group 
working. This is true for the same reasons we read books. I can load 
catcher in the rye into my smartphone but it would not be as usable.

And I think that's the point.

What is wrong with using fax machines if that's going to be more effective? 
It's vital we don't become blinded by technology.

For example I own a state of the art music synth and have a very good amp 
that can model a wide range of electric guitars from my guitar that can be 
many guitars - but out of all the music making stuff I own I always go back 
to my analog guitar - because you can just pick it up and play.

So it is with white boards and post it notes.

Stewart Dean





The most important thing for us to do is to have a healthy disrespect for 
the technology we use and to keep in mind that many users just want it to 
work and do the job regardless of what is under the bonnet. And no - not 
all the systems we create are 100% digital.




When I design a system that people use then I go out of my way to ensure 
they don't have to relearn what they already know. You appear to want them 
to use technology for technologies sake. I personally have a healthy 
disrespect for all technology.

I also hold that I am not the designer of best systems that I create but 
the users are - on the best projects I just compile and edit their ideas.

Also the clients are vital to be involved as they have domain expertise and 
it is enough to expect them to learn the process without having to learn 
any technology.

. I can't expect to be an expert in something in three weeks that someone 
has done for three years.