From 41 Shades of Blue to Material Design: The Evolution of Google’s Design Sensibilities

Way back in 2009, the exit of Google's then design chief, Douglas Bowman, resulted in an unexpectedly entertaining look at the inner workings of one of the fastest growing companies the world has ever seen. In his eloquently worded goodbye letter to Google, Bowman described his frustrations. As Google was a company of engineers, founded … Continue reading From 41 Shades of Blue to Material Design: The Evolution of Google’s Design Sensibilities →

“Existential” Risk Management for Artificial Intelligence (or just a little too much navel gazing?)

One of the great themes in science fiction is the fear that the machines we humans have created will someday lead to our own enslavement or even extinction. As research into artificial intelligence (AI) exploded following Turing's breakthroughs, the concept of self-awareness in non-organic manmade objects elicited a sort of existential dread. Update: See below … Continue reading “Existential” Risk Management for Artificial Intelligence (or just a little too much navel gazing?) →

How to create the Ultimate Mission Statement for your business (or jazz up your existing one)

Mission statements are like press releases—there are established writing conventions that apply. If you don't nail the format just right, it will stick out like a sore thumb, and all your hard work will be for naught.* Whether you are CEO or president, in marketing, or were drafted to your company's official Mission Statement Committee, … Continue reading How to create the Ultimate Mission Statement for your business (or jazz up your existing one) →

Growth in demand for Consulting demonstrated in stock price of publicly traded ICFI

There are a lot of small businesses that self-identify as consultants. Like quality and beauty, the definition of what a consultant is depends entirely on the perspective of the observer. Most so-called consultants are actually just independent contractors or subcontractors providing outsourced labor. In my opinion, a true consultant is one who improves their client's … Continue reading Growth in demand for Consulting demonstrated in stock price of publicly traded ICFI →

On Quality: Apple has already tested 30,000 iPhone 6 devices

My wife recently upgraded to an iPhone 6 after nearly three years of using an iPhone 4S. The device is stunningly beautiful. For the most part, Apple is renowned for its quality. I had some issues when I first got my iPhone 5, but those seem to be resolved. Makes me wonder, though, what exactly … Continue reading On Quality: Apple has already tested 30,000 iPhone 6 devices →