What Is Happening?

A crazy seven months it has been. If you have been inclined to follow my happenings as reported here on smallTransport you know I was married, accepted a new job and moved across the United States to Pittsburgh, PA. I must say things have been challenging and most definitely wonderful. Let’s talk design shall we?

Having designed at MAYA now for approaching eight months I feel I am 100x the designer I were before. I have designed software interfaces, done flash development, print work, designed a car stereo interface and bezel, written and edited proposals and a million other things. I have not been without challenge and reward at MAYA. As I have said before and further experience has shown me, MAYAns are the most intelligent and creative bunch I have encountered. Not one individual is without a broad understanding of design or the desire to grow and improve on a daily basis. This is, for the time being, exactly where I need to be and for that I am fortunate.

Enough of myself, allow me to share some of what has been reinforced and/or discovered with regard to design over months past:

  • Designing with a capital “D” is far more than making a pretty picture. In fact, it is merely the icing on the cake. Young designers are usually drawn to aesthetic alone, which is important, though the interaction and information architecture account for the most important pieces of the puzzle. Remember: aside from purely artistic design, things are designed to fulfill a need and must work and be usable. If it looks beautiful but is not functional or useable you have a polished turd.
  • Never ever design for someone without knowing who they are or involving them in the process. Defining personas is a vital step though far from the last. So much is discovered through effective interviews and activities involving users.* Ask questions – a lot of them. One will never learn without inquiry.
  • The interaction design of an interface can be as beautiful as its visual design. I am lucky to be involved with the research side of MAYA and have discovered the immense need and room for innovation in this realm.

I am sure you all agree to a large extent with the above remarks as you are most likely a designer. I am beginning to make a stride here with all of the changes and challenges I have endured so I intend to breathe life into smallTransport again and have a million ideas and concepts to get your feedback on.


Let us hear it

  1. I

    Glenn

  2. If you ever visit Monessen, PA (Maybe an hour away.) send me some pictures of that nice little town I used to live in, will ya? ;)

    Peti

  3. Hey Jeremy, good to here that all good and that you learn’t a ton from MAYA

    Sid Upadhyay

  4. Jeremy, it was a pleasure meeting both you and Eric [a second time] and being able to discuss at length your current project. I’m definately excited to see what comes of all of this research. If you guys ever need my feedback in the future, I am more than willing to help out. I can clearly see the above points you listed in your approach and from my perspective, you guys are definately asking the right questions. If you ever need a test subject, look me up! I’ll contact you if I plan on being in Pittsburgh.

    Take care,

    Ed [from Giant’s Stadium and Mid-Ohio Sport Track]

    Ed Palumbo