Category

Methods

• Resources, Methods, Collaboration

  Resource: bringing users into the design process

  01.16.09 | Permalink | Comments Off

  I was playing “one thing leads to another” this morning (aka following links) and came across this fantastic article by Allison Druin of the University of Maryland’s  Institute for Advanced Computer Studies. In Druin’s article, “The Role of Children in the Design of New Technology,” she builds a case for the involvement of children directly […]

• Events, Methods, Collaboration

  Managing design projects is an art, too

  01.15.09 | Permalink | Comments Off

  If I have learned nothing else in my design life, I know that a great project manager can make the difference between a successful, even joyful project and a painful slog to the leaden finish line. It’s rare that project managers of design projects (in the broadest sense of the word “design”) get the support […]

• Experience, Methods

  Adjust my attitude, please!

  05.19.08 | Permalink | Comment?

  Sometimes in life, experiences are really a matter of perception. One day, you might see nothing but pink clouds and blue skies in a situation. The next, you might see storm clouds and leaking roofs. As managers (or, in my case, as an advocate), sometimes we are called upon to help our co-workers see through […]

• Methods

  Getting Quick and Dirty Feedback

  08.03.07 | Permalink | Comment?

  When working in large groups or teams, it can be hard to know how things are going. Was this meeting useful? Did a workshop session go well? Is there some issue that needs to be addressed, something no one is talking about?
  Regularly asking people for their observations and feedback accomplishes two important things. First, it […]

• Honesty, Methods

  Development by Denial

  07.23.07 | Permalink | Comment?

  Scott Berkun, author of The Myths of Innovation, takes an honest look at the types of development methodologies actually in play in the world of software development. His post, “asshole driven development,” had me rolling on the floor this morning.
  My favorite?
  “Development By Denial (DBD) - Everybody pretends there is a method for what’s being done, […]

Cartographies of Imagination

Creativity, creative expression, and inspiration for designers.

about

Cartographies of Imagination, by me, Sarah B. Nelson, is about navigating the world of collaboration, through methods, tools, techniques and ideas. I'll share methods, tools, and ideas to inspire you to draw on the collective wisdom around you. I'm an interaction designer and design strategist at Adaptive Path.

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recent thoughts

• Creative leadership in a time of great transition
• Resource: bringing users into the design process
• Managing design projects is an art, too
• What a week…
• Adjust my attitude, please!