Author Archives: kevin
← Older posts Newer posts →ORID: Conversation Flow 101
June 13, 2018Some conversations flow. Others don’t. I think about this whenever prepping for research interviews. I’m trying to gauge if our sequence of questions “feels” right. Does the order seem natural? Do we avoid coming on too strong? Are we building …
Posted in Blog, People Systems | Tagged conversation, focused conversation, ORID, the design gym | Leave a commentRight Support, Right Time
June 12, 2018I helped interview Ru Hill who runs Surf Simply, a surf coaching resort in Costa Rica. I’ve been thinking about that chat from a few weeks ago. One of the most impressive things he and his team have done is …
Posted in Blog, People Systems | Tagged process, support, timing | Leave a commentWho and Why
June 11, 2018Lately, I appreciate getting clarity on the Who and Why before What, How, When, and Where. Whether I’m writing an essay or hosting a dinner, knowing Who and Why make other decisions easier. Who am I hoping to serve/reach/help? → audience! …
Posted in Blog, People Systems | Tagged decision-making, who, why | Leave a commentValue vs Non-Value Added Activities
June 10, 2018I wrote a (short) autobiography when I was in 5th grade. My concluding sentence was: “It’s better to be busy than to be bored—to live a full life than an empty one.” I’m not sure if I agree with 10-year-old …
Posted in Blog, People Systems | Tagged lean thinking, process improvement, value | Leave a comment6S, How to Make Any Space People-Friendly and Efficient
June 9, 2018Lean is a “journey” not a “state.” — Earll Murman, Lean Advancement Initiative (LAI) My parents are professional process people. Dad leads manufacturing for hardware startups—currently for a smart baby-monitor. Mom runs infection control at hospitals—designing processes to reduce infection …
Posted in Blog, People Systems | Tagged lean thinking, MIT, process improvement | Leave a commentB&W Disposable 001
June 8, 2018I’ve come to believe that a camera’s form affects where you take it which affects what you capture. Hence, disposables are great for who-knows-where-we’ll-end-up adventures. Here are favorite snaps from playing around with an Ilford XP2 black and white disposable. Mostly in …
Posted in Blog, Flow | Tagged disposable cameras, photography | Leave a commentUse Your Hands
June 7, 2018Last year, Bailey gave me a copy of Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon. I’ve since purchased it as a gift for 3-4 people. Austin’s no-frills language on the creative process is liberating. Simple phrases, straight-forward advice. I’ve read …
Posted in Advice, Blog | Tagged process, steal like an artist, use your hands | Leave a commentThe Joys of Roller Coaster Tycoon
June 6, 2018A few weeks ago, I woke up jet lagged at 5am in a Millbrae hotel room. I had the urge to do something nostalgic. To relive something, anything, I used to do as a kid. By 5:15am I had downloaded …
Posted in Blog, Ponderings | Tagged down time, roller coaster tycoon | Leave a commentThe Start of a Secret Handshake
February 24, 2018For the first year of People & Company, Bailey, Elmer and I operated as a remote team. In case you were wondering, the sweet spot for a call between Los Angeles, New York City, and Singapore is either 3p PT/6p ET/7am …
Posted in Blog, Rituals | Leave a commentKevin Starter Pack
February 22, 2018On Monday, Yoko finished drawing a Kevin Starter Pack. She illustrated 12ish items that capture me and how I scoot through daily life just because she felt like it. It was a followup to her Yoko Starter Pack from last month. …
Posted in Blog, Ponderings | Tagged movies, my favorite things | Leave a comment ← Older posts Newer posts →