I relate to all of the sentiments delivered in this chapter, and they are all themes common in the lives of Millenials. While technology offers endless learning and expressive opportunities, these features are hidden in the sea of distractions in a competition for our attention. Our abilities to delay gratification for rewarding long-term satisfaction have been dampened by the availability of instant dopamine release from apps like Instagram or Twitter. I really appreciate attempts to turn technology away from an attention-stealing goal-distracting vice to an attention-directing and goal-fulfilling tool.
I also appreciated hearing about the role of music before its commodification. Songs have always been available instantly without the need to play any instruments. I hadn’t witnedded the transformation of music into an artifact for purchase relegated to the realm of professional musicians and creators rather than a joyful pastime to be enjoyed by all, socially. As a complete newcomer to creating music, an amateur, aka lover, I was encouraged by the message that music is for the soul and shouldn’t be limited to people trying to become professionals.
As I said in my last response, inspiration for designs often comes from considering your constraints. The principle of inside-out design iterates on this idea by looking at the technology we have as the current constraints, and reminding us we can come up with new functions from the available form. Creating new toys doesn’t necessitate the creation of new technologies; we can maximize the features in place for creative new purposes.
The video on Aaru was a cool example of technology creating calm. It also reminds us that while you may be pursuing a goal, we should notice the beauty along the way. Fulfillment can come from achieving a goal and also stopping along the way to enjoy.
The tutorials are coming along, and I should be finished by tomorrow. I hope that unity starts to become more intuitive… rollerball was a little hard to follow. I think the tutorial is in an older version, but I’m figuring it out!