November 11, 2010 by
Prior to 1775, the primary sources of power in Europe looked something like the image to the left— wind, water, or teams of horses.
In that year, the reciprocating steam engine was introduced by James Watt and Matthew Boulton. The engine was not a new invention, but key features introduced by Watt allowed for:
1. A 75% reduction in fuel consumption
2. The ability to pump, pull, push, and create radial motion.
3. A means to regulate and maintain a constant speed.
Applied feedback through a simple if elegant set of design decisions allowed the Watt steam engine to become a driving force of the industrial revolution. Frequently sampling and responding to feedback as part of a system’s basic process may be the difference between a functioning system and a non-existent one.
This metaphor may be applied outside the realm of mechanical systems and extended to the relationships formed in collaboration, here with clients: both parties require some separation to continue to perform their unique tasks, but each needs regular updates about the position of the other to keep the project moving forward at a steady rate
As a developer, I’ve learned to help foster client relations by presenting regular updates and requesting feedback regularly during each phase of a build. If at some point there has been a misstep, I would rather chalk it up to experience with only a few days of backtracking.
Keeping a client updated using terms that neither confuse nor mislead will not hurt you. Remember that you are partners, and that your ability to communicate effectively with each other is important in the same manner as the meaningful communication and feedback you share with co-workers and peers.
Toward that end, the Watt steam engine governor, as demonstrated by Stafford Beer:
October 26, 2009 by
For those who didn't make it to the Unisource Paper show last week, you missed getting copies of a number of cool posters from designers such as Lowercase, Tandemodus, Thirst and us! I really wanted to share mine with the masses because I took a very different approach than most—making mine an interactive piece. It's meant to inspire and be a reference over time. Hopefully something you'd use again and again.
I've created an 11 x 17 version for you to download and print. If you'd like a copy of the 24 x 36 version, we'll be printing up our own (more sustainable) later this year and they'll be available at our Holiday Pop Up Shop on December 4th and there after on our website. A great way to start the new year!
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