One common feature I’ve noticed in certain types of software is the ability to select different levels of complexity for the preferences/settings pane. Essentially, the application will assume you are a “beginner” until you specify that you would like access to the “expert” feature set.
The problem is that there is no gradual transition into this elite class of user. Read the rest of this entry »
So I have trained myself to start storing things that I find on the web for future use–who knows when they will disappear. But there’s one important issue: I can’t find out where it’s from if I only have my local copy. Read the rest of this entry »
It’s not uncommon for somebody to send a card around the office for get well wishes or retirements… why hasn’t anybody made a group e-card interface? Read the rest of this entry »
I know enough to know that I don’t know if the following is even feasible. Read the rest of this entry »
ok, here’s a silly idea. We print things on dead tree pulp, then shred the stuff back into pulp and start over, calling it recycling. Except every time the fibers get shorter and the stuff is less useful. Also dirtier. Read the rest of this entry »
I have a terrible time with email overload. I process approximately 100 real emails (not spam) per day. Some are basically irrelevant and I can delete them immediately, some require more attention, and often, I get backlogged by weeks or even months on things that I would read if I could get to them.
My big issue is that others have no awareness of why I’m not emailing back. Read the rest of this entry »
Those of you who are academics will appreciate this one. The other night, I’m out during our conference crying into glasses of beer with colleagues who’ve had their work stalled by the slowness of a journal’s review process. Read the rest of this entry »
I came across this video clip not long ago, and find it absolutely hilarious! Some things just can’t be well-enough designed. Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRBIVRwvUeE
-Joel G.
Okay, typical scenario: you’re stuck in an airport. Your flight has been cancelled. You’re trying to rebook, and the line is huge. You call the airline’s toll free number. Read the rest of this entry »
Today a neat idea came up during Umber Shamim’s thesis defense. (Congrats Umber!) How can teachers integrate up-to-date news items into curriculum without having to go do all the legwork and research themselves? Read the rest of this entry »