http://www.tiglu.com Thoughts on design, interaction, usability, and anything else that comes to mind. en tim@tiglu.com Copyright 2010 2010-01-30T04:09:37+00:00 http://www.tiglu.com/index.php/tiglu/post/pondering_the_ipad http://www.tiglu.com/index.php/tiglu/post/pondering_the_ipad#When:05:09:37Z Aside from the presentation on Wednesday, I was also looking forward to seeing what new product Apple would release at their media event.  If all of the rumors were to be trusted, we could expect a tablet computer that could cure all disease, save the world from destruction, and would allow for easy integration into our digital lifestyles.  What we got was something else entirely. I want to get this out of the way before I go any further.  Contrary to popular belief, I don’t own every Apple product ever made.  I don’t have the Apple logo tattoo.  I don’t have a shrine to Steve Jobs in my basement.  I do like the occasional shot of apple-flavored Kool-Aid, but only because I find it refreshing and delicious.  While it may seem to some that I’m an Apple fanboy, I’m not.  I’ve come to that realization over the past year, noting many areas that I’d like to see Apple improve not only their products, but some of their practices.  That being said, the idea of an Apple tablet computer didn’t interest me at all.  Until yesterday. I have yet to watch the full video from the presentation.  Wednesday night was the earliest opportunity I had to dig into the details a bit more and talk to a few people to get their impressions of the new device. After a spirited Twitter conversation, and reading reviews and thoughts of the iPad, I had written the device off for my own use.  Apps are limited to those found in Apple’s App Store (as opposed to being able to freely install anything I’d feel like installing on a typical computer), no Web-cam, no multitasking, no replacement value for any device I already own.  I didn’t need it.  It was too restrictive.  I didn’t have this and it doesn’t do that. I quickly found my feelings for the device changing.  Between some more conversation in the hallway at work and listening to other thoughts on the device, my interest is turning around.  I also stopped focusing on what the iPad couldn’t do and turned to what it can do.  While it still doesn’t replace anything that I have or fit into any area of my life that isn’t already covered by an iPhone or laptop, I can think of many people who’s lives it does fit into.   The Traveler - With a screen that’s larger than a smartphone as well as many GPS units on the market, this may be a perfect device to take with you in the car or on a hike.  Not only can you find your way with it, but you’ll be able to entertain yourself and others along the way.   The Educator (and the Student) - There will be a time in the future when paper books will no longer exist.  I’m not going to venture a guess as to when this will happen, but we’ve already seen the beginning with the Kindle and Nook.  Take that a step further with a device like the iPad.  Teachers can have their plans and itineraries on them while their students can use them as text and workbooks.  When working in groups, the tablet style is much more inviting than that of a laptop, making conversation and technological tools great partners rather than awkward neighbors.   The Businessperson - Right after my hallway chat, I found myself needing to print out a booklet for an afternoon meeting.  With a device like the iPad, that could go away.  Relying on email and the built-in PDF reading capability, countless reams of paper could be saved.  Drawing from the earlier student “group-work” example, I have a feeling a tablet device would be received better in a meeting environment than say, a smartphone or laptop.  I’ve tried using a laptop in face-to-face meetings before.  The key word there is tried.  Not only was it an awkward experience for all parties involved, I felt like I was alienating a person that I wanted to share ideas with, simply because of the monitor that was propped up in between us.  Imagine running an app like Bump on an iPad during a meeting, and quickly exchanging information in an interactive way.   The Doctor - Saw this one coming a mile away, didn’t you.  Monitor patient information as well as get any other type of info you’d need on something that’s slim and relatively lightweight.   Families - One minute it’s a digital photo/movie frame, the next minute you can pick it up and take it with you to read the latest news or share photos with family members. All that being said, I’m excited to see where this device goes, and who takes it to new heights, whether it be developers or consumers.  Regardless of the vehicle, I can see many paths that the iPad can take, and most of them point upward. Apple, Design, User Experience, User Interface, 2010-01-30T05:09:37+00:00 http://www.tiglu.com/index.php/tiglu/post/social_is_simple http://www.tiglu.com/index.php/tiglu/post/social_is_simple#When:04:48:35Z I’d wanted to write this last night, but my brain was buzzing and bouncing with leftover energy from a trip to Milwaukee’s Third Ward.  Every time I visit the city, I come back more energized and invigorated than ever.  Forget Red Bull or Monster, drink in Milwaukee.  That energy carried over into a great event. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend a presentation by Chris Brogan, social media guru, entertaining speaker, and co-author of Trust Agents  If you ever have the chance to hear Chris speak or meet him in person, I highly suggest making the most of that opportunity.  You won’t be disappointed.  Many of the “vibes” I’ve been feeling & seeing with regards where social media is heading were echoed, and I picked up many new ideas as well. What mattered the most to me was that he didn’t talk about Twitter and Facebook and how to maneuver through those services.  He talked about people. Coincidentally, that’s what social networking is all about too. People and the connections that we make with one another.  Don’t focus on the number of fans or followers you have, focus on the connections that you make and the people that you meet along the way.  Take the time to listen and acknowledge others and they’ll do the same for you.  This is true whether you’re a one-man shop or a giant corporation.  It’s all about people.  Simple as that. 2010-01-29T04:48:35+00:00 http://www.tiglu.com/index.php/tiglu/post/where_im_at_and_letting_you_know_about_it http://www.tiglu.com/index.php/tiglu/post/where_im_at_and_letting_you_know_about_it#When:05:12:25Z Looking at the landscape of social networking, it doesn’t take long to notice an increasing trend in location-aware services and communities. 2010-01-20T05:12:25+00:00 http://www.tiglu.com/index.php/tiglu/post/marking_up_a_draft_business_card._thoughts_on_horiz_vs_vert_layout1 http://www.tiglu.com/index.php/tiglu/post/marking_up_a_draft_business_card._thoughts_on_horiz_vs_vert_layout1#When:22:30:22Z via tweetie 2009-12-30T22:30:22+00:00 http://www.tiglu.com/index.php/tiglu/post/taking_a_new_approach_to_mobile_podcasting http://www.tiglu.com/index.php/tiglu/post/taking_a_new_approach_to_mobile_podcasting#When:05:06:22Z After using AudioBoo and CinchCast for a while, I've decided to change things up a bit and use the 1-2 combination of standalone recording apps and Posterous. Download now or listen on posterous Blogging, Organization, Podcast, 2009-12-14T05:06:22+00:00 http://www.tiglu.com/index.php/tiglu/post/a_review_of_the_chipotle_iphone_app http://www.tiglu.com/index.php/tiglu/post/a_review_of_the_chipotle_iphone_app#When:16:27:30Z Earlier this year, I discovered Chipotle Mexican Grill, a wonderful restaurant with a bare-bones menu, great interior design, and most of all, great food. As soon as I learned about their iPhone app, I knew I'd have to try it out. After a month passed of me having the app on my phone and not taking advantage of it's time-saving graces, I decided to take the plunge a little over a week ago. A friend of mine (and a client) had set up a lunch meeting and settled on Chipotle as the meeting place. This was the perfect time to test out the app. Not only could I test out the before-mentioned elements, I could add a second order to the app, not only testing it's ability to keep items straight, but to also test the interaction with the restaurant once we got there. An in-app experience With my stomach and taste buds anticipating the research reward that lie ahead, I launched the app. The interface was very intuitive, giving me options to view the menu, to place an order, find the nearest location and learn more about the company. Having been there before, I knew what I wanted, but looked through the menu anyway. When I found my menu item of choice, I pressed the "order" button. I expected to have my selection carry through to the next phase of the process. This, however, wasn't the case. I still needed to make a menu selection from within the "order" section of the app. I'm holding out hope that this will be corrected in a future version. From that point on, the process was very smooth and intuitive, which is a great thing if you're looking to put burrito to mouth in a short amount of time. After I had set up my order, I put together the order for my friend and proceeded to the checkout. And how will you be paying today? At this point of the lunch selection process, I had two lingering questions about the remainder of this process. The first question dealt with payment. I was hoping that I would be able to pay for everything from within the app, although paying in person wouldn't be the end of the world (it would just gum up the entire process). My first question was quickly answered when I was asked for my CC info. One down, one to go. I'm here to pick up an iOrder. After a short drive, we were at the restaurant, ready to experience the second leg of the experiment. My biggest concern now, was how cumbersome the in-store experience was going to be. One of the last messages in the checkout process informed me that I could go right to the checkout to pick up my order. That's when my overly-nice nature kicked in and said "what about all of the other equally hungry people that I'll be cutting in front of?". As it turned out, there weren't that many people in line that day, so by the time I got close enough to the front counter, I would have been just as well off ordering in person. Regardless, I indicated that I was there to pick up an iPhone order, and was then instructed to wait by the cash register. A minute (less actually) later, my order came out, neatly bagged and ready to go. Takeout takeaways It wouldn't be a true experiment if I didn't learn something, so here's my breakdown: This app is truly intended for larger, takeout situations. While there were a few hiccups in the ordering flow, the overall UX from the app was smart and enjoyable. While the "interface" with the restaraunt itself was good, it could be a bit better. Maybe include an iPhone order line or "outside order" line. Chipotle makes a darn good burrito. Apple, Design, User Experience, User Interface, 2009-12-12T16:27:30+00:00 http://www.tiglu.com/index.php/tiglu/post/lets_not_take_this_for_granted http://www.tiglu.com/index.php/tiglu/post/lets_not_take_this_for_granted#When:15:18:26Z Age.  It grants wisdom, makes us reflect more, and creates an appreciation for life’s finer details.  It also makes us forgetful, shortsighted, and blind. As a parent, I’ve found I can take my children’s youth for granted from time-to-time.  It’s easy to think of them as “babies”, however they grow up and remind me that I need to adapt to their changes.  It’s a great “ride” to be on, watching them grow and learn and come into their own, but it’s also an possibility where memories can get lost, at least the fear of them being lost and replaced.  You might be asking yourself, “where is he going with this?”. The same applies to technology. When I was first introduced to the Internet (at least AOL’s walled-garden version) back in 1995 I was in awe of a chat about Star Trek that I was having with someone in California.  The topic wasn’t what had me so amazed, it was the reality of what was taking place.  From my parents house in Wisconsin, I was exchanging thoughts and views with someone thousands of miles away.  That was one of my first realizations of how powerful this new network of people and ideas could be. Now here we sit, almost 15 years later, and this network of people and ideas has grown and intensified.  Earlier this week I was having a great conversation on Twitter with Stuart Manning, a Web developer from Ireland.  It wasn’t until after the conversation ended that I became amazed at what just took place.  From my home in Wisconsin, I was exchanging opinions, and with someone in a country.  This was combined with the other experiences I’ve had with people from my own state and throughout the nation.  The awe from 14 years ago set in again. The more things change… With new ways to connect with one another emerging, seemingly each day, let’s not forget that original spark of “wow”.  It is that moment that made me interested in the Internet and what could be done with it.  As information flies at us and past us at break-neck speeds, take a little time off to step back from it all and remember where it all started.  Let that moment of awe seep back into your mind and inspire more innovation. Personal, 2009-11-01T15:18:26+00:00 http://www.tiglu.com/index.php/tiglu/post/organizing_your_thoughts_and_your_life http://www.tiglu.com/index.php/tiglu/post/organizing_your_thoughts_and_your_life#When:21:02:00Z We’ve all lived this scenario before; deadline approaching. Notes strewn about. Mass clutter all around. How do you focus on what needs to get done to complete a task? Sure there are tools that can be used, but which is the right one for and how do you make it work with your routine? I’ve been asking myself this very question multiple times over the past year.  As project opportunities increase I’ve found the need to get a crystal-clear picture of what needs to be done and when.  After many Web service and software trials, I’ve found what works for me, and hopefully it can benefit you as well. Rough drafts and brain drippings When I start a project, I first turn to my sketchbook. I can rapid-fire thoughts and plans onto it as well as establish what the client wants, all in a nice tidy package.  Great, i’ve got my initial thoughts and some rough sketches down, now what?  I’ve got to get those ideas over to my computers (yes, plural) for expanding and finalizing.  Thankfully, there are a variety of tools that I use both individually and combined to get things done. Evernote After I signed up for the Evernote service, I scratched my head and wondered how I would work it into my routine. It wasn’t until recently that I started to understand the power of this service, and I find myself wondering how I ever got things done, or at the very least remembered things, before it. What’s the key to Evernote’s power?  Syncing.  With applications for Windows, Mac, Mobile and iPhone platforms, not to mention an uber-handy Web interface, you can create notebooks, add, edit, and delete notes wherever you may be and then access them on the device of your choosing.  More importantly, you can write down a note when you want and not risk losing it to the rush of information that we deal with on a minute-by-minute basis.  Don’t feel like you need to whip out the laptop or smartphone every time you want to jot something down either.  Evernote does a great job of handwriting recognition that is searchable, so that note that was written in a sketchbook or on a bar napkin can be archived and found for later use. Dropbox With multiple computers comes great responsibility (apologies to Stan Lee).  What is that responsibility?  Keeping track and remembering where you placed your latest layout files and project notes.  I use two (sometimes more) computers on a daily basis and when I need to continue or start on a project, I’d better be sure I have what I need, especially when deadlines are looming.  Enter, Dropbox. With Dropbox, my work life becomes much clearer.  Once set up and running on the machines I want, I have not only a local copy of my files, but as soon as I change those files, they are uploaded to “the cloud” and pulled down to any other synchronized machines.  Sounds great, right?  Picture it this way; you can be at your local Starbucks (or coffee shop of choice) making changes on your laptop, save what you’re working on, and by the time you walk out the door, those files can be waiting for you at home or at the office. Getting things done As mentioned earlier, it took me a while, not to mention much trial and error, but I’ve settled into a system that works for me.  Hopefully this can help clear some clutter for you too. Design, Organization, Personal, 2009-03-08T21:02:00+00:00 http://www.tiglu.com/index.php/tiglu/post/tropicana_thunder http://www.tiglu.com/index.php/tiglu/post/tropicana_thunder#When:03:19:00Z On a trip to the grocery store this past weekend, I needed to pick up a few breakfast items for my family.  One of the items on my list was orange juice.  Being the design geek that I am, I first looked at the packaging, then the price.  If you haven’t already heard, Pepsi recently refreshed the branding on almost, if not all of their product families, including their Tropicana brand.  There’s no doubt that a large sum of money was invested in this rebrand As I surveyed the landscape of juice before me, the Tropicana cartons stood out.  All of the other brands had imagery plastered over every square inch of real estate and the gratuitous use of whitespace made the PepsiCo product stand out, to me. (Not from) concentrate That’s when the individuality got lost.  As I examined each Tropicana carton it became clear that the option I was looking for (No Pulp) was as hard to see as the tiny bits of orange themselves.  It was only after I took a closer look at each carton that I was able to locate the type of juice I wanted to purchase.  Slight usability issue, but I got what I was looking for (not to mention the price was too good to pass up, regardless of the brief hassle I encountered). The squeeze Now just a few days later, I’ve read that due to an enoumous amount of loyal customer backlash, Tropicana will be reverting back to it’s previous look (from the logo to the carton graphics).  When this happens, I hold out hopethat some of the new look design considerations will live on, aside from the proposed cap design. Design, News, 2009-02-24T03:19:00+00:00 http://www.tiglu.com/index.php/tiglu/post/admiration_and_loss http://www.tiglu.com/index.php/tiglu/post/admiration_and_loss#When:13:04:00Z After reading about the death of George Carlin, a man that without doubt burned the candle at both ends, I’ve given thought to all of the people that I’ve drawn inspiration from.  George was on that list.  When I was either 15 or 16, I found “Class Clown” in my parents basement.  Not knowing much about him, I did what any adolescent would have done.  I put the record on and cranked it up.  As the needle reached the outer rings, I knew I was a different person than when the ride had started.  A change for the better.  Going forward, I pocketed his words, along with words of others and traveled forward on my journey. Words To quote George “All we have are words, really”.  Our lives are filled with words coming in from so many directions that it’s easy to lose track of who said what.  The words that stick with us the most, the ones that we pass along in the forms of advice and guidance, those are the ones that can be traced back to their original sources.  Parents, grandparents, friends, spouses, children and the occasional celebrity.  All of these sources define and shape us with their words, for they are all we have.  As a parent, I’ve realized the power that words have, and I work to wield them with caution and skill. As life moves on, as it tends to do, I will use these words, learned from various sources, to help me along the way.  Thanks to those who’ve made their words worth remembering. Personal, 2008-06-23T13:04:00+00:00