I know that the invention of modern computers was based on numerous tools that came before it, but I didn’t realize that the abacus was one of them.
Continue readingChopsticks
Two Fun Parts of A Problem-Solving Conversation
There are two fun parts in a conversation with problem-solving topics: problem discovery and solution discovery.
Continue readingHow to Choose A Typeface
A typeface (aka a font family) is a set of fonts that share common design features. For example, Times New Roman and Arial are different typefaces. Times New Roman is commonly used in newspapers; Arial is commonly used on digital interfaces. There are many other beautiful typefaces out there for people to use. How to choose a typeface?
Continue readingWhat’s Machine Learning
Machine learning is a way to teach computers to learn without explicitly programming them. This technique has been used in various industries. For example, you may have noticed that Facebook can automatically tag friends’ faces from your pictures, or your email box can prevent spam emails for you. That’s all marching learning. We probably use it tons a day without even knowing it.
Continue readingCan You Add Meanings to Socks? — A Practice on Denotative and Connotative Images
I did some interesting practice on making denotative images and connotative images. A denotative image is a direct representation of an object from real life, whether it be cartoonized or realistic, made by pen or something else. A connotative image added an extra layer of “meaning” to the denotative image.
To start, I needed to choose an object. I chose a sock. My mission was to quickly do 10 denotative images (using different ways) and 3 connotative images on paper. A lot, huh? I thought so, too. After all, how can socks be sketched differently into that many images? But I decided to give it a try.
Continue readingBook Notes: Creative Confidence — Get Products to the Real World Early
In this fast-paced, you will need to get your products to the real world early, rather than handing it over to the users when it’s perfectly built, because that will be too late.
Continue readingBook Notes: Creative Confidence — Where to Get Ideas? Keep a Bug List
The creative juices come from life. To be mindful of all the surroundings and engage with the world in a more proactive way one pumps us with ideas.
Continue readingBook Notes: Becoming Steve Jobs — A Growth Story
“Becoming Steve Jobs” is a great book. As the authors Rick Tetzeli and Brent Schlender say, this is a growth story about Steve Jobs — how he grew from a two-person team to managing a company that has thousands of employees. There are a lot of books and articles depicting him as a complete genius and at the same time, a complete jerk. From this book, I saw his soft side, his care about his employees, friends, as well as his and others’ families.
Continue readingAbandoned Railroads in Marin & Thoughts on Public Transportation
I appreciate the effort of bringing more public transportation. The thing is, the current transportation system (buses, freeway, etc) planned and implemented years ago is falling behind. It’s reaching its capacity. Or can I say, when the system was planned, nobody expected the traffic situation can have significant changes AFTER the system was implemented?
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