Out of the Box Vs Established rules?

Now this is a tough one. There is, well for me anyway, this very strong feeling to want to rebel and break with tradition. Who says you can't? Why do you have to follow rules? Well I have learnt the hard way that sometimes following the rules can work, especially when the rules are supported by cold hard facts. There are examples of this throughout most areas of design. An example of this is white copy on a black background. Lots of folks like this, yet focus groups that were conducted on the matter show that most people find it difficult to read adverts that are designed in this way. So the next time you get the urge to break a rule its worthwhile to find out why the rule exists...

So how do you go about it?

Part of the reason why consultants have been so successful is that they're not firmly entrenched in the environment. When you've been in a sector (read industry as well) for an extended period of time you unconsciously put on blinkers (or lenses). You start to see things through those lenses and quite frankly it blinds you to everything else, you are hindered by almost self imposed constraints. These constraints have been developed by doing the same thing in the same way over decades. You get suckered into applying conventional wisdom. My biggest problem with conventional wisdom is just that, its just sooo conventional. More often that not we are asked to do more with less and many of us are not rising to the occasion. Probe, do research, develop your own solutions, move towards original thought...if you know your space the answer is not out there...its within

Much luv and trust

What's in a name?

The reason my blog is called: 'Are you asking the right questions?' is because I firmly believe that irrespective of what industry you find yourself in, if you ask the right questions you could start a revolution. Don't be afraid to ask. As far as I'm concerned the silliest statement in the world is: 'but we've always done it that way' - yes I agree sometimes if its not broke don't fix it but if you have to ask the question there is a distinct possibility that there may be something wrong. Go on ask it?

The year ahead...

The year ahead looks very promising, already a number of opportunities are taking shape. The funny thing is that I have not actively hunted for or chased down any of them. The spark for the opportunities have just been good conversations and an equally good network.

Interactive media, expanding the reach of education, building child friendly spaces, innovatively using technology to enhance people's lives...all of them are on the cards and all of them are in a space that I would really enjoy playing in. I suppose there is some truth in the saying that when the student is ready the teacher will appear. Its only recently that I've found myself in a good enough space to be granted these opportunities to make a real difference in peoples lives.

Later folks, I'll give you and update as soon as things are solidified...

Much luv and trust