Perhaps I have just evolved my own way to approach projects with clients, because I don't see the problems outlined in the video that the book is going to cover. I don't deny that those problems exist, so perhaps the book has viable and effective ways to head them off or overcome them.
So, since I don't see the problems outlined, I don't really want to critique the book or explainer video as a whole. But I will point out one serious flaw. It's this line:
"...has to deal with all of this input and criticism from other people, many of whom are not that smart..."
Don't ever say that. Don't even think it.
It betrays an arrogance, and a casual dismissal of the valid concerns of people in business who question the value of a particular design, and sometimes the value of design in general.
No matter how hard you work not to show it, if you think that way and don't start with empathy for everyone involved in the process, those you don't respect will detect how you feel and cause problems for you.
I agree with your point in a most contexts - I meant it here more as a joke, or as a hallway aside rather than something I'd ever say or recommend someone says directly to a coworker. And in that it does fit the spirit of the book, which has a tone of informal converstaions with someone who has more experience.
For the record, I've definitely had the experience of working with people who were very powerful, but not necessarily all that smart :)
As easy way to split the difference would be to say "feedback from people who *seem* not very smart" or something like that.
I think part of my challenge with this is that you're trying to say four things in a three-minute video. What if you focused on one message in the book (with an example to ground it) and then just say "and there's more in the book" or somesuch?
Well, think about this: Describing a design from top left to bottom right it's not considered best practice right? Instead, you start by explaining how the design enables customers to do X. Right now, you're kind of describing the book. Using use cases that audience can relate to, might enable them to be better. Which is the goal of the book right? ;)
Sorry Scott, I can't focus because I am freshly home from surgery with complications. (Say, I have the book)
But I did watch just the beginning, and I have something to say, and, I see that Billy noticed the same line that jumped out at me, jumped enough that I would write you before I was recovered enough to see the whole video!
The only thing constructive that I can think of, criticism-wise, is better to say , "Some smart people, design-wise, are not that smart."
Is this a good message to focus on (1) design is hard because of people, 2) remember your superpowers, 3) it’s all about situations)? Or can you think of a better one?
++ remember your superpowers: I like this and recommend expanding on it. ie. superpowers including both your curiosity + creativity to explain how to deal with resistance, especially as a designer, to solve problems.
Does this have the right tone?
++ not yet with a few adjustments and perhaps less words, yes.
Should I have slides? It felts stronger just to be speaking directly to potential readers since it’s so short.
++ no. hard no. I liked it when you showed the book and explained the cover.
Should it be shorter? TV ads are 30 seconds long and this is over 3 minutes.
++ yes.
I’m wearing a fun colorful hoodie - I could do the more boring collared shirt thing but fun is an asset here I think?
++ there's a lot to unpack here and I need some more time to make my specific feedback brief. definitely don't wear a boring collared shirt. fun *is* an asset.
Perhaps I have just evolved my own way to approach projects with clients, because I don't see the problems outlined in the video that the book is going to cover. I don't deny that those problems exist, so perhaps the book has viable and effective ways to head them off or overcome them.
So, since I don't see the problems outlined, I don't really want to critique the book or explainer video as a whole. But I will point out one serious flaw. It's this line:
"...has to deal with all of this input and criticism from other people, many of whom are not that smart..."
Don't ever say that. Don't even think it.
It betrays an arrogance, and a casual dismissal of the valid concerns of people in business who question the value of a particular design, and sometimes the value of design in general.
No matter how hard you work not to show it, if you think that way and don't start with empathy for everyone involved in the process, those you don't respect will detect how you feel and cause problems for you.
Thanks for clarifying and framing your feedback.
I agree with your point in a most contexts - I meant it here more as a joke, or as a hallway aside rather than something I'd ever say or recommend someone says directly to a coworker. And in that it does fit the spirit of the book, which has a tone of informal converstaions with someone who has more experience.
For the record, I've definitely had the experience of working with people who were very powerful, but not necessarily all that smart :)
As easy way to split the difference would be to say "feedback from people who *seem* not very smart" or something like that.
I think part of my challenge with this is that you're trying to say four things in a three-minute video. What if you focused on one message in the book (with an example to ground it) and then just say "and there's more in the book" or somesuch?
Get a real use case for each point. Start with that so the audience can relate to these use cases.
I thought about that, but that's going to make this longer unless I cut something!
Well, think about this: Describing a design from top left to bottom right it's not considered best practice right? Instead, you start by explaining how the design enables customers to do X. Right now, you're kind of describing the book. Using use cases that audience can relate to, might enable them to be better. Which is the goal of the book right? ;)
Gotcha. Thanks for clarifying - I get it now. That makes me think of an infomercial style approach (e.g. leading with the problem).
Sorry Scott, I can't focus because I am freshly home from surgery with complications. (Say, I have the book)
But I did watch just the beginning, and I have something to say, and, I see that Billy noticed the same line that jumped out at me, jumped enough that I would write you before I was recovered enough to see the whole video!
The only thing constructive that I can think of, criticism-wise, is better to say , "Some smart people, design-wise, are not that smart."
Is this a good message to focus on (1) design is hard because of people, 2) remember your superpowers, 3) it’s all about situations)? Or can you think of a better one?
++ remember your superpowers: I like this and recommend expanding on it. ie. superpowers including both your curiosity + creativity to explain how to deal with resistance, especially as a designer, to solve problems.
Does this have the right tone?
++ not yet with a few adjustments and perhaps less words, yes.
Should I have slides? It felts stronger just to be speaking directly to potential readers since it’s so short.
++ no. hard no. I liked it when you showed the book and explained the cover.
Should it be shorter? TV ads are 30 seconds long and this is over 3 minutes.
++ yes.
I’m wearing a fun colorful hoodie - I could do the more boring collared shirt thing but fun is an asset here I think?
++ there's a lot to unpack here and I need some more time to make my specific feedback brief. definitely don't wear a boring collared shirt. fun *is* an asset.
Thanks for all the great feedback everyone. I took almost all of it!
Here is version 2. The rundown:
- 60 seconds long (66% shorter!)
- Focuses on the scenarios and the pain points
- Makes one big promise
- Doesn't teach anything (which is my instinct to try and do)
I don't think there will be a version 3 That is unless someone finds something terribly wrong that I missed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VFq9hyPpmU