Developing Usable Experiences

What have I learned?

December 9th, 2008 11:07 pm —  30 views

This past semester was one of the best. Not THE best mind you, but very close1.

My two courses wrapped up today and I couldn’t help but notice differences. One finished with a silent fizzle. The other applause and a receiving line. It was clear who reached the students and who has yet to make that step. The potential is there, I see it. But something. Missing. Anyway.

I learned that system engineering is not the same as information architecture. I thought it was…or at least was close. But after spending 10+ weeks pondering and absorbing the principles of IA, I realize that one is about building pyramids, the other envisioning an eternal tomb. Not the same, but similar.

I learned, and am living, the acceptance of trends that wash past in this flowing river of digital change and miscellany. Reviewing past blathersome blog posts I came upon one wherein I first learned of Twitter (June 2007). Oh how this has changed my perception of what the Innerwebs are about and can do. Such is learning. Such is change.

I learned, and continue to learn, about the inertia of culture and politics in the corporate and academic environs. People in positions of power have the power and thus the control. And I’ve learned that giving up control is a very difficult thing…at any level. I could easily go into a rant about attachment and aversion but it’s late and I’m tired. And you probably don’t care.

I learned, and recognize that opportunity exists where you look for it. Business ideas, government grants, and interested persons abound. Those that aren’t shy will make it2. Those that are shy will become part of the soil in which others flourish. Such is the way of the forest.

School is turning out to be a great experience for me. It could be so much more, but it seems to be enough. Stretching my mind scratches an itch i can’t explain.

I just wonder where this will lead.

I’m looking forward to finding out. And continue to pay attention. And ask questions. And see things for myself.

Image: Graduate students sure are young these days. As if I didn’t feel old as hell already. This is actually the son of our IA teacher, brought in under some pretense of curiousity…but I wonder about the real reason…not that it matters. He was good and didn’t seem to affect the final lecture from he-who-is-inKlyned.

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  1. The best will be identified when all have been completed. [↩]
  2. And by make “it” I mean, make money to afford basic necessities and sweet shix that aren’t really necessary but seem to satisfy some itch. [↩]

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Comments

2 Responses to “What have I learned?”

  1. Dawn on December 10th, 2008 4:04 pm

    Where was this lecture? Sort of looks like our favorite room on 3rd floor of West Hall, but not exactly. Glad you’re having fun in school! The best part is that it will lead to more fun! Really!

  2. Spike on December 10th, 2008 4:27 pm

    You’re right…it’s 311 WH.

    All the podiums have been replaced with fancier, smaller, more techno looking models. That’s probably what’s trippin’ you up.

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