One-buttock playing

This week, I released a short second collection of piano-based tracks called Deep Down and Not Forgotten. Listen on Spotify Listen on other Music platforms May I ask a favour? If you enjoy the music, would you please click to save/like on each track or the album to help others find it? Thank you. If you want to follow me as an artist that also helps. My sketch this week is related: one-buttock playing. What is One-Buttock Playing? We all experience the power of music to move us either as players or listeners. In his entertaining and insightful TED talk about The Transformative Power of Classical Music, Benjamin Zander begins with a memorable sequence of imitating a child learning to play the piano. With each new year of practice, the child's playing becomes more gentle, more accomplished, and more emotional. When playing as if an eleven-year-old, now leaning into the music, only one buttock in contact with the piano stool, Ben Zander says, "I don't know how we got into this position. I didn't say, 'I'm going to move my shoulder over, move my body.' No, the music pushed me over, which is why I call it one-buttock playing." He goes on to say, "You know, a gentleman was once watching a presentation I was doing, when I was working with a young pianist. He was the president of a corporation in Ohio. I was working with this young pianist, and said, 'The trouble with you is you're a two-buttock player. You should be a one-buttock player.' I moved his body while he was playing. And suddenly, the music took off. It took flight. The audience gasped when they heard the difference. Then I got a letter from this gentleman. He said, 'I was so moved. I went back and I transformed my entire company into a one-buttock company.'" Reaching Flow, Getting in the Zone For me, one-buttock playing means going with the music, letting it take you, and being fully involved, ignoring everything else. It's like reaching a state of Flow, or, as in Pixar's movie Soul, being in "the Zone." And as a more general metaphor, one-buttock playing is a fun reminder to give your all to an activity and be in the moment. Also, buttock is just a funny word. There are many ways to get into Flow. You can be in Flow working on a spreadsheet. But no spreadsheet has the same effect that music can or matches how I feel when playing and composing on the piano (have a listen). Expertise and One-Buttock Playing Zander doesn't mention it in his talk, but expertise is key to one-buttock playing. The younger pianists he emulates don't experience one-buttock playing—they're too busy trying to play the damn piece properly in the first place. One-buttock playing emerges only when they are skilful enough and know the piece inside and out. In other words, to lose yourself in the emotion or expression of a piece of music or a challenge, you must first master the craft. Once the execution is the baseline, you create space to focus on the expression. So it is, I think, with all pursuits. Picasso could sketch with abandon because he'd first mastered painting. Shakespeare could play with language because he'd first mastered it. Federer could make tennis look like an art form because his mastery of the fundamentals gave him freedom on the court. A great CEO can take a company to new heights only when the team executes the basics like clockwork. Replicate, then innovate. You may remember Benjamin Zander from the leadership sketch Leading from Any Chair Related Ideas to One-Buttock Playing Also see: Collective Effervescence: the magic of shared experience The Absorbing Power of a Labyrinth 5 Ways to Wellbeing Forest Bathing Flow Match Challenge with Skills for Flow at Work Goldilocks Tasks Sit Down Without Any Music Live in the Present…This week, I released a short second collection of piano-based tracks called Deep Down and Not Forgotten. Listen on Spotify Listen on other Music platforms May I ask a favour? If you enjoy the music, would you please click to save/like on each track or the album to help others find it? Thank you. If you want to follow me as an artist that also helps. My sketch this week is related: one-buttock playing. What is One-Buttock Playing? We all experience the power of music to move us either as players or listeners. In his entertaining and insightful TED talk about The Transformative Power of Classical Music, Benjamin Zander begins with a memorable sequence of imitating a child learning to play the piano. With each new year of practice, the child's playing becomes more gentle, more accomplished, and more emotional. When playing as if an eleven-year-old, now leaning into the music, only one buttock in contact with the piano stool, Ben Zander says, "I don't know how we got into this position. I didn't say, 'I'm going to move my shoulder over, move my body.' No, the music pushed me over, which is why I call it one-buttock playing." He goes on to say, "You know, a gentleman was once watching a presentation I was doing, when I was working with a young pianist. He was the president of a corporation in Ohio. I was working with this young pianist, and said, 'The trouble with you is you're a two-buttock player. You should be a one-buttock player.' I moved his body while he was playing. And suddenly, the music took off. It took flight. The audience gasped when they heard the difference. Then I got a letter from this gentleman. He said, 'I was so moved. I went back and I transformed my entire company into a one-buttock company.'" Reaching Flow, Getting in the Zone For me, one-buttock playing means going with the music, letting it take you, and being fully involved, ignoring everything else. It's like reaching a state of Flow, or, as in Pixar's movie Soul, being in "the Zone." And as a more general metaphor, one-buttock playing is a fun reminder to give your all to an activity and be in the moment. Also, buttock is just a funny word. There are many ways to get into Flow. You can be in Flow working on a spreadsheet. But no spreadsheet has the same effect that music can or matches how I feel when playing and composing on the piano (have a listen). Expertise and One-Buttock Playing Zander doesn't mention it in his talk, but expertise is key to one-buttock playing. The younger pianists he emulates don't experience one-buttock playing—they're too busy trying to play the damn piece properly in the first place. One-buttock playing emerges only when they are skilful enough and know the piece inside and out. In other words, to lose yourself in the emotion or expression of a piece of music or a challenge, you must first master the craft. Once the execution is the baseline, you create space to focus on the expression. So it is, I think, with all pursuits. Picasso could sketch with abandon because he'd first mastered painting. Shakespeare could play with language because he'd first mastered it. Federer could make tennis look like an art form because his mastery of the fundamentals gave him freedom on the court. A great CEO can take a company to new heights only when the team executes the basics like clockwork. Replicate, then innovate. You may remember Benjamin Zander from the leadership sketch Leading from Any Chair Related Ideas to One-Buttock Playing Also see: Collective Effervescence: the magic of shared experience The Absorbing Power of a Labyrinth 5 Ways to Wellbeing Forest Bathing Flow Match Challenge with Skills for Flow at Work Goldilocks Tasks Sit Down Without Any Music Live in the Present

The Chinese Zodiac calendar featuring the 12 zodiac animals, their personality traits, and corresponding years from 2025 to 2036. Includes traditional Chinese New Year symbols like lanterns, red envelopes, and firecrackers.

The Chinese Zodiac: Animals, Years, and Meanings

The Chinese Zodiac is a yearly cycle of 12 animals who finished first in the Jade Emperor's Great Race. Chinese New Year 2025 marks the start of the Year of the Snake, followed by the Year of the Horse in 2026, and so on through the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. The Chinese lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon—lunisolar—meaning the New Year shifts slightly each year. Also known as the Spring Festival, the New Year marks the shift between Winter and Spring. It begins on the new moon that appears between 21 January and 20 February, typically falling between late January and mid-February. Celebrations continue until the Lantern Festival, 15 days later. Chinese Zodiac Animals and Personality Traits Each Chinese zodiac sign is thought to shape the personality of those born in that year. If you were born in the Year of the Rat, you might be quick-witted and charming, while those born in the Year of the Dragon are often confident and enthusiastic. I always forget the full list of Chinese New Year animals—it's one of those things that's beyond 7 ± 2 and just won't stick in my head. So here it is, for future reference: Rat — Charming, Quick-witted Ox — Patient, Determined Tiger — Brave, Competitive Rabbit — Gentle, Compassionate Dragon — Confident, Enthusiastic Snake — Wise, Intuitive Horse — Energetic, Independent Goat (Sheep) — Calm, Creative Monkey — Witty, Curious Rooster — Hardworking, Observant Dog — Loyal, Honest Pig — Generous, Diligent The Legend of the Great Race: Why These 12 Animals? The Chinese zodiac animals are from an old legend: the Great Race. The Jade Emperor, Chinese mythology's ruler of all gods, hosted a great race across a river. The first 12 animals to finish would earn a place in the Chinese zodiac calendar. Cat and Rat, who were friends, hitched a ride on the back of Ox, who slowly swam through the river's deep water. As they crossed, Rat moved, knocking Cat into the river, but it was too dangerous to go back. As Ox neared the other bank, Rat jumped off, swimming the final metres and winning first place. Meanwhile, Dragon, despite being powerful, stopped to help others and finished fifth. Cat was left behind and finished last with a new dislike for rats. Variations in Other Countries Not all countries use the exact same Chinese zodiac signs. Vietnam, for example, swaps out two animals: The Rabbit is replaced by the Cat The Ox is replaced by the Water Buffalo Chinese New Year Symbols and Traditions Chinese New Year is full of traditions designed to bring good fortune: Red envelopes (hóngbāo) – Given to children and unmarried adults, filled with money as a symbol of luck and prosperity. Lanterns – Hung up or released into the sky, symbolizing brightness and good fortune. Firecrackers – Set off to scare away evil spirits and welcome the Lunar New Year with a bang. Red and gold – The most common colours in Chinese New Year decorations, representing happiness, wealth, and good luck. Other beliefs and traditions include: washing your hair can wash out your luck for the year giving oranges and tangerines to hosts as symbols of abundant happiness sweeping and cleaning the house to sweep away ill fortune decorating windows and doors with red paint, paper cutouts and banners giving respect and honour to gods and ancestors. Chinese Zodiac List from 2025 to 1945 Not sure of your animal or your child's? You can find yours in this list (unless you're over 80). If your birthday is before the Chinese New Year in January, then your animal will belong to the year before (rather like for birthday creep). 2025 – Snake 2024 – Dragon 2023 – Rabbit 2022 – Tiger 2021 – Ox 2020 – Rat 2019 – Pig 2018 – Dog 2017 – Rooster 2016 – Monkey 2015 – Goat 2014 – Horse 2013 – Snake 2012 – Dragon 2011 – Rabbit 2010 – Tiger 2009 – Ox 2008 – Rat 2007 – Pig 2006 – Dog 2005 – Rooster 2004 – Monkey 2003 – Goat 2002 – Horse 2001 – Snake 2000 – Dragon 1999 – Rabbit 1998 – Tiger 1997 – Ox 1996 – Rat 1995 – Pig 1994 – Dog 1993 – Rooster 1992 – Monkey 1991 – Goat 1990 – Horse 1989 – Snake 1988 – Dragon 1987 – Rabbit 1986 – Tiger 1985 – Ox 1984 – Rat 1983 – Pig 1982 – Dog 1981 – Rooster 1980 – Monkey 1979 – Goat 1978 – Horse 1977 – Snake 1976 – Dragon 1975 – Rabbit 1974 – Tiger 1973 – Ox 1972 – Rat 1971 – Pig 1970 – Dog 1969 – Rooster 1968 – Monkey 1967 – Goat 1966 – Horse 1965 – Snake 1964 – Dragon 1963 – Rabbit 1962 – Tiger 1961 – Ox 1960 – Rat 1959 – Pig 1958 – Dog 1957 – Rooster 1956 – Monkey 1955 – Goat 1954 – Horse 1953 – Snake 1952 – Dragon 1951 – Rabbit 1950 – Tiger 1949 – Ox 1948 – Rat 1947 – Pig 1946 – Dog 1945 – Rooster Caveat: I am not Chinese or Asian and have gathered this information from many sources over the years. Let me know if something needs correcting. Others The Chinese zodiac years are one of those things I feel like I ought to remember but always forget. Others in the same bucket for me: The NATO alphabet The Greek alphabet Celsius and Fahrenheit Party bottle sizes…The Chinese Zodiac is a yearly cycle of 12 animals who finished first in the Jade Emperor's Great Race. Chinese New Year 2025 marks the start of the Year of the Snake, followed by the Year of the Horse in 2026, and so on through the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. The Chinese lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon—lunisolar—meaning the New Year shifts slightly each year. Also known as the Spring Festival, the New Year marks the shift between Winter and Spring. It begins on the new moon that appears between 21 January and 20 February, typically falling between late January and mid-February. Celebrations continue until the Lantern Festival, 15 days later. Chinese Zodiac Animals and Personality Traits Each Chinese zodiac sign is thought to shape the personality of those born in that year. If you were born in the Year of the Rat, you might be quick-witted and charming, while those born in the Year of the Dragon are often confident and enthusiastic. I always forget the full list of Chinese New Year animals—it's one of those things that's beyond 7 ± 2 and just won't stick in my head. So here it is, for future reference: Rat — Charming, Quick-witted Ox — Patient, Determined Tiger — Brave, Competitive Rabbit — Gentle, Compassionate Dragon — Confident, Enthusiastic Snake — Wise, Intuitive Horse — Energetic, Independent Goat (Sheep) — Calm, Creative Monkey — Witty, Curious Rooster — Hardworking, Observant Dog — Loyal, Honest Pig — Generous, Diligent The Legend of the Great Race: Why These 12 Animals? The Chinese zodiac animals are from an old legend: the Great Race. The Jade Emperor, Chinese mythology's ruler of all gods, hosted a great race across a river. The first 12 animals to finish would earn a place in the Chinese zodiac calendar. Cat and Rat, who were friends, hitched a ride on the back of Ox, who slowly swam through the river's deep water. As they crossed, Rat moved, knocking Cat into the river, but it was too dangerous to go back. As Ox neared the other bank, Rat jumped off, swimming the final metres and winning first place. Meanwhile, Dragon, despite being powerful, stopped to help others and finished fifth. Cat was left behind and finished last with a new dislike for rats. Variations in Other Countries Not all countries use the exact same Chinese zodiac signs. Vietnam, for example, swaps out two animals: The Rabbit is replaced by the Cat The Ox is replaced by the Water Buffalo Chinese New Year Symbols and Traditions Chinese New Year is full of traditions designed to bring good fortune: Red envelopes (hóngbāo) – Given to children and unmarried adults, filled with money as a symbol of luck and prosperity. Lanterns – Hung up or released into the sky, symbolizing brightness and good fortune. Firecrackers – Set off to scare away evil spirits and welcome the Lunar New Year with a bang. Red and gold – The most common colours in Chinese New Year decorations, representing happiness, wealth, and good luck. Other beliefs and traditions include: washing your hair can wash out your luck for the year giving oranges and tangerines to hosts as symbols of abundant happiness sweeping and cleaning the house to sweep away ill fortune decorating windows and doors with red paint, paper cutouts and banners giving respect and honour to gods and ancestors. Chinese Zodiac List from 2025 to 1945 Not sure of your animal or your child's? You can find yours in this list (unless you're over 80). If your birthday is before the Chinese New Year in January, then your animal will belong to the year before (rather like for birthday creep). 2025 – Snake 2024 – Dragon 2023 – Rabbit 2022 – Tiger 2021 – Ox 2020 – Rat 2019 – Pig 2018 – Dog 2017 – Rooster 2016 – Monkey 2015 – Goat 2014 – Horse 2013 – Snake 2012 – Dragon 2011 – Rabbit 2010 – Tiger 2009 – Ox 2008 – Rat 2007 – Pig 2006 – Dog 2005 – Rooster 2004 – Monkey 2003 – Goat 2002 – Horse 2001 – Snake 2000 – Dragon 1999 – Rabbit 1998 – Tiger 1997 – Ox 1996 – Rat 1995 – Pig 1994 – Dog 1993 – Rooster 1992 – Monkey 1991 – Goat 1990 – Horse 1989 – Snake 1988 – Dragon 1987 – Rabbit 1986 – Tiger 1985 – Ox 1984 – Rat 1983 – Pig 1982 – Dog 1981 – Rooster 1980 – Monkey 1979 – Goat 1978 – Horse 1977 – Snake 1976 – Dragon 1975 – Rabbit 1974 – Tiger 1973 – Ox 1972 – Rat 1971 – Pig 1970 – Dog 1969 – Rooster 1968 – Monkey 1967 – Goat 1966 – Horse 1965 – Snake 1964 – Dragon 1963 – Rabbit 1962 – Tiger 1961 – Ox 1960 – Rat 1959 – Pig 1958 – Dog 1957 – Rooster 1956 – Monkey 1955 – Goat 1954 – Horse 1953 – Snake 1952 – Dragon 1951 – Rabbit 1950 – Tiger 1949 – Ox 1948 – Rat 1947 – Pig 1946 – Dog 1945 – Rooster Caveat: I am not Chinese or Asian and have gathered this information from many sources over the years. Let me know if something needs correcting. Others The Chinese zodiac years are one of those things I feel like I ought to remember but always forget. Others in the same bucket for me: The NATO alphabet The Greek alphabet Celsius and Fahrenheit Party bottle sizes

Snerdle

How many things are much nicer than wrapping yourself snugly under the covers in bed and ignoring the world for a little longer? That's the meaning of the 18th-century dialect word Snerdle. Snerdle (verb) is from Yorkshire dialectologist Joseph Wright's English Dialect Dictionary. He gives the definition of snerdle, with examples, as: SNERDLE, v. [snə̄·dl.] To nestle closely; to wrap up comfortably in bed; to go comfortably off to sleep. “Snerdle the child up; make it comfortable.” “The children are snerdling together nicely.” “I think the baby will soon snerdle off.” Shared by British lexicographer and etymologist Susie Dent in her book Word Perfect: Etymological Entertainment Every Day, snerdling suits a grey, chilly, rainy winter day—which is what we have here—or, at times, hiding from current events. Susie also lets us know: "Snuzzle, snoodge, and snerdle: all verbs in the English Dialect Dictionary for snuggling under the covers as though your life depended on it." Like snerdling? There's also the old Scottish word hurkle-durkle. Hurkle-durkling is revelling in staying in bed long after you should have gotten up. Aaah, bliss. More Fun Words Apricity: the warmth of winter sun Kaffikok: the distance you can travel before needing a cup of coffee Vorfreude: the pleasure of anticipation Schadenfreude: pleasure at someone else's misfortune Greeble: elements that give detail and scale and make something look more advanced Word spectrums Days of the week: the Norse gods among us The Order of Adjectives in English Tsundoku: acquiring books and letting them pile up without reading them Halfalogue: hearing half of a phone conversation The virtuous cycle of exercise and sleep…How many things are much nicer than wrapping yourself snugly under the covers in bed and ignoring the world for a little longer? That's the meaning of the 18th-century dialect word Snerdle. Snerdle (verb) is from Yorkshire dialectologist Joseph Wright's English Dialect Dictionary. He gives the definition of snerdle, with examples, as: SNERDLE, v. [snə̄·dl.] To nestle closely; to wrap up comfortably in bed; to go comfortably off to sleep. “Snerdle the child up; make it comfortable.” “The children are snerdling together nicely.” “I think the baby will soon snerdle off.” Shared by British lexicographer and etymologist Susie Dent in her book Word Perfect: Etymological Entertainment Every Day, snerdling suits a grey, chilly, rainy winter day—which is what we have here—or, at times, hiding from current events. Susie also lets us know: "Snuzzle, snoodge, and snerdle: all verbs in the English Dialect Dictionary for snuggling under the covers as though your life depended on it." Like snerdling? There's also the old Scottish word hurkle-durkle. Hurkle-durkling is revelling in staying in bed long after you should have gotten up. Aaah, bliss. More Fun Words Apricity: the warmth of winter sun Kaffikok: the distance you can travel before needing a cup of coffee Vorfreude: the pleasure of anticipation Schadenfreude: pleasure at someone else's misfortune Greeble: elements that give detail and scale and make something look more advanced Word spectrums Days of the week: the Norse gods among us The Order of Adjectives in English Tsundoku: acquiring books and letting them pile up without reading them Halfalogue: hearing half of a phone conversation The virtuous cycle of exercise and sleep

Skeuomorph

Why is the save icon in your software a floppy disk that no one has used for over 20 years? And that phone icon looks nothing like your mobile phone when making a call. These are both skeuomorphs. What is a skeuomorph? A skeuomorph is when a new design borrows practical elements from a former design and repurposes them in a functional or ornamental way. Skeuomorphs are practical because they make new systems more intuitive. Their comfort and familiarity can help bridge old and new ways. For example, some electric cars are designed to look like they have air intake vents like traditional combustion cars. More poetically, a skeuomorph can offset the loss of physical reality when interacting with our digital devices. Skeumorph examples Skeuomorphs abound in the digital world: The save icon is a floppy disk from the 1980s and '90s Microphone and speaker icons The bin icon for deleting files The battery icon on your computer The envelope icon for email Gears for Settings Storing files in folders Books apps displayed with bookshelves The magnifying glass to zoom The camera icon as a physical SLR camera The shopping cart in an online shopping site The 'desktop' Sliders and knobs, or even connecting wires, are made to look like analogue mixing desks and gear in music software (music software is awash with skeuomorphs) A link icon represented by a link of a physical chain A clipboard for paste Dials and levers or a funnel representing filters Shadows under boxes on a webpage simulate light falling on a surface to show depth Grab bars are indications of friction points where you can change the order of a list The list goes on and on. I once read that when designing, if you can't think of an icon for your feature in about five seconds, you probably need to write the word, as not everyone will understand it. Not all digital icons are skeuomorphs: the printer as the print icon and the folded page for a page layout still map to their physical counterparts. Physical skeuomorph examples include: Electric candles. Slot machine levers that change the state of a circuit rather than spin any wheels. Fake wood grain is used on floors or interiors. Haptic feedback—a simulated click when pressing on a touchscreen. Speed camera signs in the UK use a stylised visual of a classic Kodak Brownie camera. Rivets on jeans are from when fixing denim together required more than just stitching. Electric cars sometimes include imitation air vents at the front that cool traditional combustion engines. Car hub caps with spoke designs from early wheels. Textured wallpaper, such as Anaglypta, echoes leather wall hangings with scored patterns. There's even a design for an early car with a fake horse head on the front—though the inventor designed it to avoid scaring other horses on the road. A smartwatch isn't just a watch; it's a computer you wear on your wrist. Skeuomorphs can borrow sound also: The imitation shutter sound of taking a photo on your phone Simulated engine noise on an electric car Skeumorphs in Software and User Interfaces Software and the digital domain are ripe places for spotting skeuomorphs, as they don't have physical characteristics—it's all 1s and 0s that we can't see or interact with. Apple's early iPhone interfaces were famous for skeuomorphic elements, such as a Contacts app that resembled a contacts book complete with tabs—tabs are also skeuomorphic— and fake leather or paper effects in note apps. Skeuomorphs, like metaphors in design, are helpful. In a magic box that can do anything—a mobile phone—a visual connection to a physical object with a defined purpose helps immediately tell you what something might be or do. As the digital world gradually becomes the first interaction for so many uses, skeuomorphs may become less common. But we'll see them around for decades yet. Early skeuomorphs Skeuomorph is not a recent term. It was coined by archaeologist Henry Colley March by combining the Greek skeuos (σκεῦος) for container or tool and morphe (μορφή) for shape. Skeuomorphs have been used in art and architecture since ancient times. For example, they are decorative features of stone buildings that mimic structural elements from older wooden ones, such as protruding rafters. Ancient pottery sometimes includes decorative rope patterns on the surface. More About Skeuomorphs The BBC has a lovely radio piece on Skeuomorphs, Design, and Modern Craft with novelist Will Self. The piece discusses their subtler side and some great examples, some of which I've included here. In the same episode, they also mention the zombie walk with faces lit by the glowing screen from a phone. Related Ideas to Skeuomorph Also see: Affordance Common button states Dark patterns Desire path Fitts Law "The content is the interface"—Sam Moreau…Why is the save icon in your software a floppy disk that no one has used for over 20 years? And that phone icon looks nothing like your mobile phone when making a call. These are both skeuomorphs. What is a skeuomorph? A skeuomorph is when a new design borrows practical elements from a former design and repurposes them in a functional or ornamental way. Skeuomorphs are practical because they make new systems more intuitive. Their comfort and familiarity can help bridge old and new ways. For example, some electric cars are designed to look like they have air intake vents like traditional combustion cars. More poetically, a skeuomorph can offset the loss of physical reality when interacting with our digital devices. Skeumorph examples Skeuomorphs abound in the digital world: The save icon is a floppy disk from the 1980s and '90s Microphone and speaker icons The bin icon for deleting files The battery icon on your computer The envelope icon for email Gears for Settings Storing files in folders Books apps displayed with bookshelves The magnifying glass to zoom The camera icon as a physical SLR camera The shopping cart in an online shopping site The 'desktop' Sliders and knobs, or even connecting wires, are made to look like analogue mixing desks and gear in music software (music software is awash with skeuomorphs) A link icon represented by a link of a physical chain A clipboard for paste Dials and levers or a funnel representing filters Shadows under boxes on a webpage simulate light falling on a surface to show depth Grab bars are indications of friction points where you can change the order of a list The list goes on and on. I once read that when designing, if you can't think of an icon for your feature in about five seconds, you probably need to write the word, as not everyone will understand it. Not all digital icons are skeuomorphs: the printer as the print icon and the folded page for a page layout still map to their physical counterparts. Physical skeuomorph examples include: Electric candles. Slot machine levers that change the state of a circuit rather than spin any wheels. Fake wood grain is used on floors or interiors. Haptic feedback—a simulated click when pressing on a touchscreen. Speed camera signs in the UK use a stylised visual of a classic Kodak Brownie camera. Rivets on jeans are from when fixing denim together required more than just stitching. Electric cars sometimes include imitation air vents at the front that cool traditional combustion engines. Car hub caps with spoke designs from early wheels. Textured wallpaper, such as Anaglypta, echoes leather wall hangings with scored patterns. There's even a design for an early car with a fake horse head on the front—though the inventor designed it to avoid scaring other horses on the road. A smartwatch isn't just a watch; it's a computer you wear on your wrist. Skeuomorphs can borrow sound also: The imitation shutter sound of taking a photo on your phone Simulated engine noise on an electric car Skeumorphs in Software and User Interfaces Software and the digital domain are ripe places for spotting skeuomorphs, as they don't have physical characteristics—it's all 1s and 0s that we can't see or interact with. Apple's early iPhone interfaces were famous for skeuomorphic elements, such as a Contacts app that resembled a contacts book complete with tabs—tabs are also skeuomorphic— and fake leather or paper effects in note apps. Skeuomorphs, like metaphors in design, are helpful. In a magic box that can do anything—a mobile phone—a visual connection to a physical object with a defined purpose helps immediately tell you what something might be or do. As the digital world gradually becomes the first interaction for so many uses, skeuomorphs may become less common. But we'll see them around for decades yet. Early skeuomorphs Skeuomorph is not a recent term. It was coined by archaeologist Henry Colley March by combining the Greek skeuos (σκεῦος) for container or tool and morphe (μορφή) for shape. Skeuomorphs have been used in art and architecture since ancient times. For example, they are decorative features of stone buildings that mimic structural elements from older wooden ones, such as protruding rafters. Ancient pottery sometimes includes decorative rope patterns on the surface. More About Skeuomorphs The BBC has a lovely radio piece on Skeuomorphs, Design, and Modern Craft with novelist Will Self. The piece discusses their subtler side and some great examples, some of which I've included here. In the same episode, they also mention the zombie walk with faces lit by the glowing screen from a phone. Related Ideas to Skeuomorph Also see: Affordance Common button states Dark patterns Desire path Fitts Law "The content is the interface"—Sam Moreau

Feedback Analysis

Feedback analysis is a technique to improve judgment and discover your strengths. It could hardly be more simple: Write down what you think will happen whenever you make a key decision. In 9–12 months, compare what you predicted against what has happened. Repeat. How does Feedback Analysis help? I learned about feedback analysis from management consultant Peter Drucker in the small Harvard Business Review read Managing Oneself. He argues that we can only make our most significant contributions when we act from our strengths. Most people don't know their strengths, so the first step is to discover them. Feedback analysis helps you do this. Feedback analysis reveals your strengths by showing you where you are right in your predictions and which of your intended actions achieve what you hoped. It also shows you your weaknesses, where your expectations are consistently wrong, and where your actions fall short. Drucker suggests, "First and foremost, concentrate on your strengths. Put yourself where your strengths can produce results." The Opportunity to do What I do Best Every Day One of my favourite self-management reads is Strengthsfinder 2.0 by Tom Rath. It also argues that we have the most significant impact, not when we focus on fixing areas where we are weak but when we can make full use of our strengths. The five greatest strengths I learned from that book are valuable for me to reflect on today. In fact, Sketchplanations is in some way a reflection of this: Ideation – you can probably tell I am drawn to and full of ideas. Achiever - consistently creating and moving on. Relator - okay, less so this one, unless it's relating through writing and sharing. Being a relator is about building strong 1:1 relationships. Learner - I am always adding to my stock of concepts. Focus - making space to stay on task and get things done. I like to ask myself and my team members: "Do I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day?" Then, we get the best out of ourselves and others. Examples of Feedback Analysis Some situations where you might put feedback analysis into action: Taking a new job Hiring a new teammate Moving house Getting a pet Launching a new product Taking a course or learning a new skill Making predictions for your year Write your "Drucker Memo" Dan Pink has a 3-minute video summary of this technique in his Pinkcast. He says it's useful for at least 3 reasons: It helps you see your blind spots. It's a great way to understand your strengths. It makes him a little bolder—after being consistently a little pessimistic in expectations, it caused him to try more new things. Dan says he takes a moment to write his expectations in his "Drucker memo" when beginning each new project. He then files it away and schedules a reminder in 6 months to take a look and see if his expectations are accurate. Simple. Have you got any big decisions coming up? Maybe give feedback analysis a try. Related Ideas to Feedback Analysis Also see: Personal Panel of Advisors The OODA Loop Mistakes Replicate then Innovate The Tyranny of Small Decisions The Johari window Notes Peter Drucker is known, among other things, for coining the term "knowledge worker." "I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day" is one of the 12 Elements of Great Managing.…Feedback analysis is a technique to improve judgment and discover your strengths. It could hardly be more simple: Write down what you think will happen whenever you make a key decision. In 9–12 months, compare what you predicted against what has happened. Repeat. How does Feedback Analysis help? I learned about feedback analysis from management consultant Peter Drucker in the small Harvard Business Review read Managing Oneself. He argues that we can only make our most significant contributions when we act from our strengths. Most people don't know their strengths, so the first step is to discover them. Feedback analysis helps you do this. Feedback analysis reveals your strengths by showing you where you are right in your predictions and which of your intended actions achieve what you hoped. It also shows you your weaknesses, where your expectations are consistently wrong, and where your actions fall short. Drucker suggests, "First and foremost, concentrate on your strengths. Put yourself where your strengths can produce results." The Opportunity to do What I do Best Every Day One of my favourite self-management reads is Strengthsfinder 2.0 by Tom Rath. It also argues that we have the most significant impact, not when we focus on fixing areas where we are weak but when we can make full use of our strengths. The five greatest strengths I learned from that book are valuable for me to reflect on today. In fact, Sketchplanations is in some way a reflection of this: Ideation – you can probably tell I am drawn to and full of ideas. Achiever - consistently creating and moving on. Relator - okay, less so this one, unless it's relating through writing and sharing. Being a relator is about building strong 1:1 relationships. Learner - I am always adding to my stock of concepts. Focus - making space to stay on task and get things done. I like to ask myself and my team members: "Do I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day?" Then, we get the best out of ourselves and others. Examples of Feedback Analysis Some situations where you might put feedback analysis into action: Taking a new job Hiring a new teammate Moving house Getting a pet Launching a new product Taking a course or learning a new skill Making predictions for your year Write your "Drucker Memo" Dan Pink has a 3-minute video summary of this technique in his Pinkcast. He says it's useful for at least 3 reasons: It helps you see your blind spots. It's a great way to understand your strengths. It makes him a little bolder—after being consistently a little pessimistic in expectations, it caused him to try more new things. Dan says he takes a moment to write his expectations in his "Drucker memo" when beginning each new project. He then files it away and schedules a reminder in 6 months to take a look and see if his expectations are accurate. Simple. Have you got any big decisions coming up? Maybe give feedback analysis a try. Related Ideas to Feedback Analysis Also see: Personal Panel of Advisors The OODA Loop Mistakes Replicate then Innovate The Tyranny of Small Decisions The Johari window Notes Peter Drucker is known, among other things, for coining the term "knowledge worker." "I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day" is one of the 12 Elements of Great Managing.