Apple is either the best kind of construction client, or the worst, depending on your perspective

Part of the magic that separates Apple from being just another consumer technology manufacturer is the relentless pursuit of perfection. Steve Jobs famously describes lessons imparted from his adoptive father imploring him to make the unseen components of a product just as beautiful and carefully executed as those that are plainly visible. Jobs' final product, possibly his … Continue reading Apple is either the best kind of construction client, or the worst, depending on your perspective →

The issue of focus: A rare glimpse into Jony Ive’s approach to design

Over the weekend, the New York Times published an article about Tim Cook, CEO of Apple. The major point of the article is to focus on how Cook has successfully handled the transition away from Steve Jobs, as evidenced in the recent Worldwide Developer's Conference. Almost as a postscript to that profile on Cook, the … Continue reading The issue of focus: A rare glimpse into Jony Ive’s approach to design →

Windows 8: An “Unprecedented Opportunity” or an unprecedented missed opportunity?

I recently started a new job at a consulting firm that is heavily invested in Microsoft products. It has been nearly 13 years since I've worked in such an environment. While one would have to pry my MacBook Air from my cold, dead hands, I still have to use Windows on occasion to perform certain … Continue reading Windows 8: An “Unprecedented Opportunity” or an unprecedented missed opportunity? →

How Google is hacking work-life balance for its employees and for the rest of humanity

Writing at Harvard Business Review, Google's SVP of People Operations discusses how Google is hacking the serious issue of work-life balance. Google has always been known to rely heavily on analysis for making decisions (sometimes to a fault). The reason that Google offers the amazing perks to employees—from amazing free food to free onsite physicians, … Continue reading How Google is hacking work-life balance for its employees and for the rest of humanity →

Is increased productivity from multiple monitors a myth?

Earlier today, I posted about the ergonomic upgrades I made recently to my workspace at home. One of the interesting side-effects of switching from using a 24-inch HD monitor combined with my MacBook Air's built-in screen (using something called extended desktop mode) to using a single 30-inch monitor, is the surprising increase in focus I … Continue reading Is increased productivity from multiple monitors a myth? →