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?) →

Do energy efficient building practices result in better feedback loops and better workmanship?

My wife and I have been lucky to have three kids that (so far) haven't ever played with fire, or knives, or consumed dangerous cleaning supplies, or anything like that. It didn't take burning down the house, stitches, or stomach pumping to teach each of them the danger inherent with certain things—a quick touch to … Continue reading Do energy efficient building practices result in better feedback loops and better workmanship? →

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 →

The real reason iPads aren’t disrupting education more: The Textbook Mafia

My kids are at the exact right age to be subjected to the ongoing experiments to bring education into the 21st century. Two of them have each had at least one full year of using iPads daily as part of instruction, while my youngest used an Android tablet as part of her first grade experience … Continue reading The real reason iPads aren’t disrupting education more: The Textbook Mafia →