Joshua Rose > Recent Status Updates

Such a rich read on the wonders of the incarnation and the death of death in the death of Christ.

I’m really enjoying this. Last section covered bits from Wikipedia’s story on how systems were developed to restrain bad behavior and build bridges between users, languages, and cultures.

Fascinating metaphors in this section about how Wikipedia grew. Author equates articles to little piranha feeding frenzies, where the fish pick away at their meal. He also discusses the collaboration between termites and wasps as they build a shelter, reacting to each layer added by the other.

Helping me think through all of what goes into helping people find and understand the information they’re looking for. There’s so much under the hood!

This is the first business biography I’ve read, and it will definitely not be my last. It’s refreshing to learn about how the very humble beginnings of Wikipedia. This book is giving me a deeper appreciation for open source and how it enabled Wikipedia to form into the behemoth it is today. Details about mitigating vandalism and inspiring contribution through systems is very inspiring.

Fascinating story weaving together the history of encyclopedias, open source, copyright law, Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger, and their early careers, struggles, and partnership to build Wikipedia. Wishing I would have started reading this one sooner!

Really enjoying. Particular section reminded me of an interview I was listening to with Rasmus Andersson (first designer @ Spotify) who is building an OS. Author and Rasmus both discuss the “save before closing?” modal and how it doesn’t make sense a majority of the time. Applications and OSs should honor user expectations. I could go on, but this book is helping me think more deeply about details in design.

Great little overview of content strategy, touching on audits and recommendations.

Sabbath reads. Really enjoying this one, and the opportunity to dwell on the high yet ordinary calling of the parent.

Finished chapters 2 (Unexpected) and 3 (Concrete). Author brought clarity to how these are a part of clear and memorable ideas. It’s important to intrigue and grab attention (unexpected) while speaking into the audience’s world and their understanding of it (concrete). Ironically finding this book to be very concrete and actionable with the illustrations.

Just finished chapter 1 on simplicity. Author went into creative problem solving, and the necessity of a simple, goal-oriented statement regardless of audience. Whether for a designer, employee, or customer, simplicity aids memorability.

Trying to tear through this one. Nothing new here, but it’s definitely helping me view communication from a slightly different angle. Authors use the acronym SUCCES (simple, unexpected, concrete, credible, emotional, storytelling) to explore what makes communication memorable. His examples are helpful and arguments reasonable. Excited to get to concrete. Will definitely help my designs and communication.