#visualdiary13

[akcadle]

The ESPN+ interface has garnered its fair share of criticism, as reflected in numerous negative reviews. Users frequently express frustration with the platform's navigation, citing issues with intuitiveness and ease of use. Some complain about a cluttered layout, finding it challenging to locate specific content or features. Additionally, buffering and streaming glitches have been recurrent problems, hindering the overall viewing experience for subscribers. Complaints also extend to the user interface's responsiveness and the lack of customization options, leaving some users dissatisfied with the overall design and functionality. While ESPN+ offers an extensive array of sports content, the user interface appears to be a sticking point for many, with negative reviews emphasizing the need for improvements to enhance user satisfaction and streamline the overall viewing process.

[laurennbradford-blog]

Collaboration combats work silos

While doing my research into work silos, I’ve discovered that most people enjoy working within them. They enjoy the tribal feeling and needing to belong to a team. I’ve also learned that sometimes sharing ideas with people you don’t believe know as much as you in your industry, is difficult. I’ve tried in my project to combat ways that people can overcome those assumptions and communicate effectively on a cross-functional team.

[insowmnia]

Warby Parker found a way to streamline the supply chain process and take over a monopoly in the eyewear industry that few were aware of. In the process, they built a company that is socially conscious, affordable and incredibly trendy. 

[creativecollectionnk32-blog]

Visual Diary #13  |  Open Topic

The Apple Activity Tracker (and Apple Watch)

The Apple Watch receives a lot of criticism. Some people think the product is an absolute joke and then some people enjoy it. Some people think Fitbits or other health tracking devices are better. 

Well, I’m here to make an appreciation post. My Apple Watch keeps me motivated on a daily basis. I think the UX behind the activities app is very well done and truly provides motivations and reminders when it comes to movement. For someone who sits all day at work, I am grateful it reminds me to get up and move around each hour. I am grateful it makes me feel like I’m working toward an accomplishable goal. It gives me a visual on my progress for each category and also provides data for a more long-term picture. It allows me to be motived by my friends and see their progress throughout the day. I just LOVE IT!

Regardless of what people say, my Apple Watch is a part of each day for me. I live next to a trail and walk/run at least 3 miles a day and it has made a serious improvement in my health and fitness. “Closing my rings” each day is a fun task for me and it leaves me feeling accomplished at the end of each day. I also love that I have the cellular version of the Apple Watch. That means I don’t have to lug around my phone with me to listen to music or make calls and reply to texts while I’m out getting exercise. For me, the Apple Watch and the Activities app meets all of my needs and I am grateful for the connectivity capabilities and the data it provides for me to look back on when I do have my phone. 

Thank you, Apple, for your tech innovation and ability to create appealing designs and technology. I am a pleased customer! 😊

[nice-lines]

Visual diary #13 | GoPro

The game-changer

GoPro burst on the camera scene in 2002 when they released their first camera. It was a 35mm camera ratcheted together with straps and old wetsuit material, but it worked. Most importantly, it validated the idea that would drive GoPro for years - that people were looking for ways to capture their most adventurous moments in photo and video. 

GoPro has grown a lot since those first days. They are now on their seventh generation GoPro lineup. Their cameras now compete with Sony, Nikon, and others in their image and video quality. GoPro’s have become synonymous with action sports for amateurs and pros alike. Their commercials are marketed towards athletes of all levels, inviting them to participate in their sport without having to slow down to record the memories. GoPro has ventured into other products as well, creating a line of drones, apps, and accessories.

GoPro is an example of designer leadership because they were able to create a product that filled an unmet need. Their first cameras weren’t spectacular, but they introduced the world to an entirely new line of cameras. They have come a long way, ushering in other products and improving upon their staples. Other manufacturers have also taken note, introducing entire lineups of their own to compete with GoPro and appeal to customers looking for outdoor adventure cameras. GoPro was already years ahead and had gained a reputation for creating the products that consumers wanted. They have stuck to that credo through up and down and continue to push the industry further in their direction.

[tjl87gu-blog]

Designspiration is a website that I like to visit when I’m working on a new project and I’m seeking out new inspiration. You can input any keywords that are relevant to what you’re working on and it will provide you with vibrant imagery that is related to your ideas. 

[akcadle]

One standout design solution in transportation that emerged within the last five years is the widespread adoption of electric scooters in urban environments. Companies like Lime and Bird have introduced dockless electric scooters as a convenient and eco-friendly last-mile transportation option. These scooters are easily accessible through smartphone apps, allowing users to locate, unlock, and ride them for short distances within cities. The design addresses the challenges of urban congestion and provides a sustainable alternative to traditional gas-powered vehicles for short trips. With a focus on user-friendly interfaces and seamless integration with existing urban infrastructure, electric scooters offer a practical solution to the "last-mile problem," reducing reliance on cars and promoting greener commuting options. This innovative design has not only transformed the way people navigate urban spaces but has also contributed to more sustainable and efficient transportation ecosystems in cities around the world.

[laurennbradford-blog]

Chipotle - Social Responsibility

Continuing from last weeks visual diary, Chipotle is another company that has made it it's business to become socially responsible. I received an email from their CEO stating how they were combating the restaurant waste problem. In part it reads:

At Chipotle, we take sustainability seriously and are making great strides in reducing waste not just by creating multi-year goals, but by integrating immediate actions into our everyday business. While we don’t have all the answers, our commitment to divert 50% of our waste from landfills by 2020 comes to life through several key areas that have the biggest impact at our restaurants: Accurately measuring our waste Reducing our packaging Mindful preparation of our food Additionally, we’ve started acting on a waste blind spot for our industry: plastic gloves.

[insowmnia]

Sofar Sounds solved the wicked problem of live music experiences being loud, crowded and never about the artist whose performing. They throw intimate concerts in cool spaces around the world. At the shows, there is a no phone policy (unless you’re tagging the artist in a fun social video), lots of merch and a calm atmosphere to enjoy up and coming artists. 

[nice-lines]

Visual diary #13 | BOOSTED

Mass market electric skateboards

The team behind Boosted Boards showed design leadership when they brought the first electric skateboard to market. Boosted was started by a group of students looking for a more fun and efficient way to get around campus. They put their idea and product on Kickstarter in 2012, resulting in one of the most-funded campaigns in Kickstarter history.

Boosted boards are electric skateboards that allow the rider to control their speed and braking with a handheld remote. Boosted Boards are designed with simplicity in mind. They do not have bulky batteries or unwieldy sizes. Upon first glance, Boosted Boards look like any other longboard. Underneath, the batteries lie in the center of the board to lower the center of gravity and allow the rider to take deep, carving turns.

Similar to Tesla, Boosted Boards are marketed and sold in tiers differentiated by the range and battery pack size. Boards are sold in two different lengths with three different battery pack sizes. Boosted Boards is an example of design leadership because of their original vision and execution. They didn't go looking for a 'hole' in the market. They simply built something they would want and figured others would too. The result is a hugely popular product that is practical and fun.

[creativecollectionnk32-blog]

Visual Diary #13 | Open Topic

For one of my posts for design leadership in general, I wanted to point out the presence of job searching and hiring online. While there are several tools for this, I feel indeed was one of the first very substantial presence in this field. I appreciate that they don’t make the people searching for a job pay a fee because that would totally not make sense. I have found several jobs via Indeed and the position I am currently in was found via Indeed. I just have a lot of respect and appreciating for all companies leading the way in this field. It makes it so convenient for people who are very serious about getting a job. 

While there are enhancement options that you pay for as a searcher or employer, ultimately you are free to see whatever is posted, making it “game” for all. I also really enjoyed some of their more recent advertisements on tv. I think they did a really nice job showing a story of a person and how much work and time goes into getting hired. As someone who has struggled with being laid off unexpectedly and struggling to find a job, this literally almost made me cry! You can see it here:

https://youtu.be/dar78OUIFhU

I’m sure most people have seen this but I just love “in their shoes” method of advertising. Indeed is such a wonderful tool and I’m very thankful for the ability to search for thousands of jobs online!

[tjl87gu-blog]

Giant Steps. Music by John Coltrane, animation by Michal Levy. 

I came across this animation during my undergrad studies in the mid-aughts. I love music, and often find myself being carried away and daydreaming visualizations during a particular song. This animation is an amazing solution to portraying the music visually and inspiring creativity and wonder to anyone who views it.