Simonds Media

The first 45 seconds of this video display a remarkable combination of presentation ingenuity and audience participation.

By recording the audience clapping to their demonstrated rhythm they are able to play the clapping back at appropriate times during the song. If you’re not up to speed on your evangelical worship music, this is the sort you only find in very organized establishments. The religious nature of the song doesn’t interest me though. I’m fascinated by the artists’ ability to get the audience involved without giving up control over the quality of the final product.

I’m not seeing that sort of balance displayed in many areas today.

This short talk by Don Norman is wonderful for two particular reasons. First, he is actually delighted by things. He lacks the youthful, urgent uncertainty that tries to analyze and parry. He’s at the point where he’s aware of what he knows for sure and can find joy in learning about the things he doesn’t understand just yet.

Second, I think it’s especially easy to forget just what we’re all trying to do here. Namely, to improve the lives of a few people and make online interactions more elegant and straightforward for the rest.

I won’t get into whether beauty is a use in itself or not, but I’m certain that we could all use more happiness. Norman added a bit of the stuff to my day. I hope you find his presentation enjoyable as well!

Thanks to @joshuacc for the heads up on the video & Jordan Fischer for the thumbnail.

An example of a headline and lead image working together. You’re welcome to use them if you like. Just be sure to let me know what you come up with!

The gentleman in the photo above looks like he’d be a good mentor. “Here’s how you get perfectly windswept hair as you set up your shot while wearing a most excellent pair of socks.” He seems to say.

What does that have to do with mentorship?

Let’s say you are the person taking the above photo. The camera rests in your grasp with comforting weight. The sailboats in the distance are nearly ready for their race. You have just minutes to take a great photo but you can’t seem to get it.