Navigating the age of algorithms — For those curious to learn more about the information industry, freedom of expression and privacy, here’s some books of interest: 1. Digital Minimalism (Cal Newport) A useful guide on how to retain your focus and de-clutter your digital life all while keeping your phone. 2. Privacy is Power (Carissa Véliz) Outlines…

On design that lasts — I used to be with ‘it’, but then they changed what ‘it’ was. Now what I’m with isn’t ‘it’ anymore and what’s ‘it’ seems weird and scary. It’ll happen to you! — Grandpa Simpson Whenever I stumble upon old technology, I feel a mixture of curiosity (look at that!) and…

Circumspection and patience — …the habit of not being discouraged by present bad appearances in the state of our affairs, the habit of hoping for a favorable change, and that of persevering in the search of resources. — Ben Franklin Chess is a strategy board game, typically between two players, that some say supports…

Chilling effects and data privacy — The television series Black Mirror is an example of technological design fictions in popular culture, exploring a multiverse with a dystopian bent. Post-pandemic, one concern is a strengthened association between potential surveillance online and chilling effects. Chilling effects propose that people modify their online behavior in response to potential surveillance…

Exploring the hidden costs of cyberspace — Many modern designers are tasked to improve interactions between humans and computers. Yet how often do we focus on learning more about the systems, assumptions, disputes and historical contexts from which we create meaning for various stakeholders? Here’s some books that may offer a new take on how you see…

My all-time favorite quotes on design — Since the deprecation of Medium’s Series, I’m transitioning past content to posts paired with images that stimulate the Overview Effect. All photos by USGS. For more quotes, see Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4. 201 You have power as a designer to change the relationship someone has with an object. Your challenge is to keep people looking. —David Pearson 202 The job of the designer is to make things understandable, usable, accessible, enjoyable… important to a public, that involves the public.

How our digital tools shape us — Recently, I reflected on how often I pick up my phone pre- and post- pandemic. The number worried me. My digital habits have changed in response to quarantine and not for the better. Rather, what used to be excessive use of my phone is now a typical day (this was…

My all-time favorite quotes on design — Since the deprecation of Medium’s Series, I’m transitioning past content to posts paired with images that stimulate the Overview Effect. All photos by USGS. For more quotes, see Part 1, Part 2, Part 3. 151 Good design adds value of some kind…it respects the viewer’s sensibilities and rewards the entrepreneur. — Paul Rand 152 Design is a process for making things right, for shaping what people need.

A concern and challenge on time management — When it comes to investing time, I struggle with warring philosophies. On one hand, the ability to work is a gift. To provide for myself and my family is a worthy and necessary use of time. Yet my faults are exposed through the realities of work, which involves bouncing between…