Over the past several weeks I’ve been experimenting with my new Cintiq and I am really enjoying it. Here’s an example of one of my recent creations:
I’ll post a few more examples over the next few days.
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Archives
Construct to Create
Jul 17, ’10
12:01 PM
Game development can be divided into two main activities – logistics and mechanics. Logistics is about the “look and feel” and the pieces / parts that are used within the experience. Mechanics is all about how the game works.
When I was younger, I was completely intrigued with a game by Electronic Arts called “Adventure Construction Set” for the Apple IIe. The game must have had an effect on me because I recall it vividly to this day – I even remember the store where I purchased it!
The Adventure Construction Set facilitates one’s ability to drive the logistics of the game, and provides a suitable platform in which to layer in the mechanics.
This “construction set” concept has value outside of the computer gaming realm.
A simple, but useful construction set is one that focuses on the “logistics” of iPhone and iPad development. This product is called UI Stencils. It’s a unique collection of stencils and related materials designed to help designers and developers formulate an effective user experience without the need for a computer.
A more advanced construction set is a hardware and software product suite called Maschine made by a company called Native Instruments. Maschine is essentially a construction set for creating music.
The hardware controller allows one to enter beats using natural motions and also allows for hands-on adjustments of sound, tempo and effects. While the hardware relies upon the software to run, the hardware can be used almost independently of the former. This is a unique aspect of this construction set in that it’s design goes beyond the “construction set” concept and introduces powerful “user experience” layers which further accelerates music creation.
Not surprisingly, the key to developing a successful construction set is to first identify what the set needs to create! With the objective in mind, see if you can divide the task into discrete categories of work. Each of these categories may become its own “micro” construction set. When combined, this holistic construction set becomes a powerful tool that enables you to focus on the end objective and less on the mechanics of getting you there. This is the key to true creativity.
Can you think of opportunities where a “construction set” would be beneficial? If so, take the time to build one! You may find that your ability to “create” becomes that much easier and enjoyable.
The Project Survival Kit
Jul 10, ’10
9:55 AM
If you were deserted on a stranded island, what three things would you take with you? While there is no official answer to this question, you could answer this question by identifying the core fundamentals of survival – essentially, food, water and shelter. If your three things address these needs, you have a good chance of survival.
A similar stance can be said for project management. All too often, managing a project introduces specific processes, tools, documentation and applications all of which are designed to streamline the act of project management, but may do the complete opposite in enabling true productivity.
I believe that there are three things one needs to have at her/his disposal to accomplish a specific task with a discrete number of resources. These three things can be thought of as the “project survival kit” – their collective use allows one to “get the job done.
1. Description of the end-state – This 1-2 page document is an expansion of a traditional “scope” statement. It provides a full picture of the project including artifact creation, team dynamics, communication plans and final deliverables. The intent is to describe the “ideal” project in sufficient detail before you start working. Think of it as your “map” to your destination.
2. Team Strengths and Personality Inventory – You have resources at your disposal, but how do you utilize their talents in the best possible way? Know the strengths and personalities of your team members! When the relationship is strong, anything is possible.
3. Organizational Chart – If you don’t know how project participants are “linked” to one another, your effectiveness as a project leader will be limited. In addition, you run the risk of “crosstalk” (redundant and inefficient communication) between project participants which can impede progress. Also, if there is more than one leader identified on the chart, you have a problem.
So, what am I leaving behind?
You’ll notice that I don’t have a timeline or project plan listed. While I think a timeline is useful, I don’t think it’s one of the top three. If you know what you are looking to accomplish, have a good sense of how the team will be organized to deliver this end-state, and their strengths, the project will move forward at it’s most efficient pace; a timeline isn’t going to matter.
I also don’t have risks identified. Remember, anything can happen. Even if you list all of the risks you know about, there are plenty of things that you likely don’t. Spend your time on what’s happening now. If an issue exists, take action.
To be clear, I am not suggesting that you completely eliminate the use of supporting documents or forgo the use of a project plan if it provides a real benefit.
However, by looking at projects with a forward-thinking mindset, I think you’ll be less concerned about timelines, documentation, “CYA” strategies and risks / issues inventories. Instead, you’ll be utilizing resources whose activities are all designed to achieve the end-state in the most efficient and enjoyable manner possible.
It’s about focusing your attention on the activities that truly matter, and isn’t that what getting things done is all about?
Positive Momentum.
Jul 4, ’10
11:12 PM
While I unfortunately haven’t been able to spend too much time writing over the past several months, a lot has happened. Fortunately, I am starting to see things come together the way I had originally envisioned and I am excited to convey a few key highlights here:
Big Generator:
Site Redesign – When I launched Big Generator earlier this year, my primary objective was to keep the design simple and focus most of my attention on the graphic design portfolio. While I was pleased with the look, organization and intent of the original site, it had a number of design challenges that required attention – one such limitation was the lack of a formal communication channel. You can see the new design and read about the rest of the limitations here.
Content Separation – When I launched my fictional blog (Microcosms) in 2009, I did so to maintain some degree of content separation from Incubator. I decided to do the same for my business. While I’ll still post ideas that tie into my business here, I want to be able to focus more attention on articles and topics that will interest and benefit potential clients. My goal is to utilize biggenerator.com as a content publishing platform to expand my knowledge and skills in the areas of design strategy and brand development, both of which will increase my business credibility.
Portfolio – While I had compiled a portfolio a little over a year ago, I decided to rebuild the portfolio not only in digital format but in print format as well. The digital portfolio is organized by year, and the most recent work can be seen here. For the print version, I decided to purchase two 11×17 “screw-post” portfolios which tied everything together quite nicely.
Web Site Redesign: If you’ve visited the site in the past, you’ll notice that I’ve refreshed the site using a new WordPress theme. I’ve searched for many months searching for just the right theme and am really pleased with the functionality and straightforward design of this one – ironically called “Basic Maths“. I am also starting to introduce additional WordPress plugins to make the site more SEO friendly and easier to navigate.
Cintiq: While I’ll continue to do a lot of my drawing using traditional media, I will be starting to use Wacom’s Cintiq tablet to do much of my rendering. This is an area that I am really excited about.