Journey Of One

A Passion for Awesome User Interface Design

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Christopher

I have a growing passion for great user interface design. I’ve been following Josh Clark at Global Moxie for some time and had the opportunity to hear him speak at SXSW, and spoke with him briefly at the conclusion of his talk.

I read his text called Tapworthy which provides great insight into user interface (UI) design.

The following video is truly inspiring for how our future can be integrated with great UI. I think the best UIs are those that are effortless to use and integrate seamlessly with one’s environment. Since I go running a lot I’ve had the urge to record my thoughts – perhaps through some sort of Head-Up Display (HUD) built into my sunglasses where I could tap the sides of the glasses to record what I am saying. This would make a great iPhone app. However, I think the iPhone could use a “quick record” button which would access the voice recorder and get thoughts recorded quickly.

I have lots more thoughts on UI design and so I will post more about this topic in the future.

P.S. I just noticed this post which provides an awesome overview of various UI.

Posted in Technology, UI | Leave a comment

How I Turned a ‘C’ into an ‘A’

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Christopher

When I was taking a course in algorithms many years ago I discovered an awesome opportunity.

Early on during the course, everyone, including the instructor noticed that the data structures text we were to study from was riddled with errors. Not just a few, but hundreds! It’s as if the authors did not use an editor and/or were extremely sloppy. They definitely did not unit test any of the code in the book.
Continue reading →

Posted in Life, Success | Leave a comment

SOFTEN Your Communication

Posted on March 27, 2012 by Christopher

I have an old copy of this text (from 1983) but its content is still relevant today. It’s called How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends.

There are the 6 governing principles for effective communication as stated in the text.
Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, Self-Development | Leave a comment

How to Hand Back Change

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Christopher

I think it started about 5 years ago. Cashiers started handing back change the wrong way.

I find they most always place the bills flat in your hand, then sprinkle the change on top. If no bills, then they use the receipt as an unstable platform. This is very annoying.

The problem with this method is that the change still fumbles all over the place while trying to balance the mess with both hands, hoping not to drop anything! Who started this trend?

So, what’s the best way to hand back change? Place the change in my hand FIRST. This way I can grab it in my fist. And then, hold out the bills which I can grab with my thumb and forefinger. With one hand I can hold the change like this in even the busiest of situations. I can even stuff the change in my pocket first, and then grab the bills.

This same methodology applies to customers. When I pay for items with change I give them the change first, and then the dollar bills.

How can we educate the public about the proper method of handing back change?

Posted in Life, Opinions | Leave a comment