When Apple released that video from their desgin team I knew I was missing something in my own, a formalized design philosophy. Something that reflects my own experience and enthusiasm for the space. It has to reflect the people that are asked to use it. Not only the majority of the external customers, but also the internal users that make it all connect. I know it has to be wholistic and simple at the same time.

For now I might just borrow and build on the sentiment in this apple video. One thing that didn't surprise me is that it made no mention of technology. Apple doesn't just try and promote cool technology. It looks for a way to enhance the experience when using their products. They then drive the technology to enable those experiences.

People play a powerful roll in my world. Hopefully you know the figures above, if you don't, I could spend hours bringing you up-to-speed on the essential details.

Batman

It's a disservice not featuring Mario, but the recent open world Arkham series is truly remarkable. Grand Theft Auto and Mario 64 opened an expansive world with a linear timeline, but were still very much platform games. Building off the "climb-anything" gameplay explored by Assassin's Creed and Nolan's Batman Begins aggressive fighting cinematics, Arkham was primed for fans. Arkham invited the gamer to explore a 3D world through an array of tools, gadgets, and allies that lovers of the franchise could only dream of previously. Explore Gotham city as the world's greatest detective and live without fear as you dive off rooftops. An adrenaline ride for sure!

Draplin!

This is what design looks like to me. I look in the mirror and see a bearded beast, a pile of man, and an urban Sasquatch who is passionate about great work and the comfort of sweatpants. Great work doesn't stop when the 5 o'clock bell rings. Many times it takes those late night hours to mine the design goodness.

Seth Godin

Under the profile for a mad genius, Seth is the archetype. Sharp as a razor and unflinching in his drive, he will attempt to save you from a life of average. If you need a helping of truth, just type his name and hold on. I suggest listening to his videos, but beware. You might want to do crazy things after listening to him.

Objects are similar in the way they impact our lives.

These three have played active roles in my life and can spark several conversations that could last a long time.

Rubik's Cube

I've loved puzzles from early on. Rubik's cubes have fascinated me as an impossible challenge since childhood, at one time even resorting to switching the colored stickers. Now I try to leave them around my parent's/brother's houses to invite the kids to figure them out. It's a mini invitation into the world of possibilities.

Mondo

Some people are addicted to smoking, gambling, and even beanie babies. Whatever your addiction, my obsession for posters is equally unhealthy, Mondo! Damn you guys.

Apple

Fanboy, I don't have the fun money to buy everything that Apple makes, but I do appreciate the thinking that is put into the design and interplay between the recent run of life-changing Apple devices. An early iMac lover, I've now transitioned into a connectivity advocate. The closed ecosystem was a negative for so long, but as the array of products increases there is a reward for those brand-fans who continually invest in the product line. Apple's products were some of the first in the world that seemed to truly talk to each other. Extra Bonus: It has also been obvious that Apple's interest in working well with Adobe will play a central part in my future career as a designer and an artist. They compliment the designer with beautiful hardware and thoughtful software.