• Category Archives Technology

  • Ultimate Iterative Development – Formula 1 Racing

    Posted on by Tim

    Iterative development is essential to building delightful products and services. If you haven’t realized, I’m a “car guy”. You can read my “car” posts here, here, and here.

    Formula 1 racing fascinates me. The innovation, materials engineering, and the design of the cars is inspiring.

    As I study how the cars are built, I recognize the patterns of continual improvement. This fact was highlighted during Season 5 of the Netflix series, “Drive to Survive”.

    Title Spot – Drive to Survive Season 5

    Each race car is a working prototype. A new season brings rule changes or updates from the sport’s governing body. The teams MUST ADAPT to stay competitive!

    All the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics that go into the cars is AMAZING!

    As well, the efforts to gather telemetric data during the races is mind-blowing. Whatever can be measured is measured to achieve peak performance.

    Formula 1 racing is unique due to several points.

    The rules for building the cars are specific to the sport. Also, teams are required to build their cars. The design of the cars is open-ended, allowing for innovation and experimentation with different technologies.

    Additionally, F1 races are held at different places all over the world. This adds to the draw of the sport.

    Furthermore, F1 cars are pure racing cars, with one seat and open wheels, unlike other racing formats.

    Occasionally, drivers make pit stops to ensure that they last the distance of the race. As well, they must overcome the difficulties and perils of each race.

    Separately, the details of the cars, such as the diffuser, add to the unique nature of the sport.

    Iterative development focus

    Formula 1 cars are developed by each team. Generally, regulations are imposed on the teams governing the specifics of the cars. Individually, teams are responsible for designing and building the car itself.

    Importantly, each car is made up of thousands of individual components. As well, each item is bespoke, designed by Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. Additionally, Computer-Aided Manufacturing is used to automate the process of creating precision parts.

    Teams work to improve their cars over the course of the season by bringing updates to different components. Much of this refining work is focused on aerodynamics.

    As a result, teams seek to max downforce while reducing drag. For this reason, improvements are made to the front and rear wings, underbody, diffuser, and other parts.

    For example, a team can increase the flap size on the rear wing. In effect, this improves the drag reduction system or DRS.

    Each team is trying to get an edge over their competitors. Design changes are for an advantage. Basically, the aim is to make the car as fast and reliable as possible while following the rules.

    In summary, teams refine their F1 cars to max aerodynamic efficiency and speed. As well, they follow the specific rules laid out by the championship organizers.

    The cars continuously evolve through the season. With the focus on a championship win.

    * Written with assistance from You.com chat AI.


    Teamwork Technology

  • 3 Ways To Create With ChatGPT

    Posted on by Tim

    I’ve been working with ChatGPT by OpenAI and figuring out ways to create with it. It’s a good tool that can be used to assist in getting ideas on paper.

    Over the last few months, I’ve run a series of questions or statement through the interface. I’ve included screenshots below to show what I was testing.

    Firstly, I started with an easy question. How can I improve my resume? It’s straightforward with its intent.

    Example 1 – Resume improvement

    Secondly, I honed in on an area that has caused me challenges in the past. Show me an example of how I should write out my accomplishments.

    Example 2 – Accomplishments written in STAR format

    Thirdly, I dug into other ways to present accomplishments on my resume. My question was, “What other ways can I write out my accomplishments?”

    Example 3 – Accomplishments examples

    3 Ways To Create

    Firstly, present a concept, idea, or question to ChatGPT. I tend to removed words that might confuse the artificial intelligence (AI) engine. Consider using the KIS principle, keep it simple.

    I have little doubt that the AI can parse my intent. However, it’s still building a learning pattern based on my interactions. So, paring down the query is a good starting point.

    Secondly, look for keywords in the response that “click” with you. For me, “accomplishments” hit home, as I noted earlier. You may not find a keyword that just lands the first time. You can refine the answer or as the screen shows, regenerate it.

    Thirdly, go down the rabbit hole. Consider rephrasing your question or statement. Adjusting words will help the AI search the catalog for alternate ways to phrase similar information.

    For example, I could adjust “What other ways can I write out my accomplishments?”

    How can I present my accomplishment for greater impact?

    What sequence should I use when listing accomplishments?

    Where should my accomplishments be listed in my resume?

    How much detail should my accomplishments have?

    ChatGPT’s response could surprise you. As well, you can ask it to rewrite sections of your text to make it flow better. That’s for another post! Happy writing!


    Technology

  • 3 Critical Thoughts On Design, Indicators, And Quality

    Posted on by Tim

    Design, indicators, and quality are connected. When we don’t think about them, they are doing their job well.

    I was headed into the Dallas Improving office in June. The photo below is what showed up a short distance from home.

    So, indicators and warnings. Yeah, I considered ignoring the tire pressure light.

    But, I didn’t. I drove back home. Checked the pressure. Inflated the tires. Back on the road.

    This brings me to a question on the first of the three thoughts.

    What indicators or warnings are you ignoring from your teams?

    warning light
    Tire pressure warning light

    Building on my thoughts above, I wanted to pose a different question.

    Working in the product development space, I enjoy having a good experience. While the low tire pressure indication might be annoying from time to time, it is important.

    When I consider user experience (UX) and experience design (XD) I want people to note important information.

    Do you appreciate the value of having clear messaging from the products you use?

    Another angle I considered with the original post was quality products or services.

    Simple Theme – Design, Indicators, and Quality

    My car is 14 years old. It has passed the average age for vehicles operating on U.S. roads.

    The story on product quality is the car is still operating well and has very few noticeable defects.

    Since I bought the car used, I don’t know its full history. I can share that for as long as I have owned it (since 2014) it has spent more time on the road than in the repair shop.

    When quality is builtin, products last. Services are relatively easy to access and use. Routine maintenance keeps them operating well.

    What is your experience with quality?

    To tie this together, good design leads to timely indicators and solid quality. When products and services lack good design, they may fail to deliver indicators and quality.


    Personal Technology

  • Why Balance Between Humanity And Technology Matters

    Posted on by Tim

    For as good as technology is, it should always have a human focus. When we strip away the humanity, we end up losing the vibrancy of the human experience. By adding humanity back into the mix, we restore the balance between humanity and technology in our lives.

    I’m all for reducing the error margin that technology brings into our lives. Additionally, I see how much pain and suffering tech has removed from the lives of many people. My concern is how we are seeing people disconnecting from each other and not having healthy relationships.

    If tech enables a better, richer, more productive human experience, then it should be considered as a positive. If it only serves to damage and hurt people more often than not, then it should be avoided, not encouraged.

    Developing products and services using technology is a worthwhile pursuit. In my mind, much good has happened by continuing to evolve computing and software over the decades since computers were built.

    The Space Shuttle on display at the Air & Space Museum – https://airandspace.si.edu/udvar-hazy-center

    Finding the balance between

    There is no quick fix to this challenge. Easy answers cover the complexity under the issue.

    To start, look at technology as a tool. It’s not good or bad, just a way to achieve outcomes.

    Secondly, look for ways to test tech’s use:

    • Does this help me be a more effective?
    • Will this help others achieve desired outcomes?
    • Does this waste more time than create more time?
    • Will this improve communication, collaboration, and other human interactions?

    Finally, if question like the ones above are a next positive, then the technology probably is beneficial.

    I challenge you to take a look around. Look hard at your tech use. Be bold and ask yourself and others tough questions.

    If the answers you find disappoint, change your engagement. Because, you own technology, not the other way around.


    Agile Technology 📎and tagged

  • No More Rainbows, Unicorns, Pixie Dust, And Wishful Thinking

    Posted on by Tim

    Technology will not fix problems. Problems come from processes or human relationships.

    I’m a recovering, well sort of recovering, tech geek. I see a new software tool or some tech hardware and I immediately start thinking I need it to make life better or easier. Over time, I’ve learned that it is a fallacy to believe this and it brings more challenges.

    How many times have you seen a new software or hardware tool get rolled out at work? One, two, three, or more times?

    Did that tool work flawlessly right from the start?

    If you answered honestly, you may have seen more sputtering starts to new tool adoption than zooming success. Blame the quick reference guides, the supporting instructions, the operating documents or whatever.

    A pile of satellite dish receivers and wiring
    Cleaning up a technology mess

    It’s time to stop blaming objects and start asking curious and honest questions.

    • Have we considered all the different ways the work might be done?
    • Have we asked for the HR department to work with us to understand how they do their work today?
    • What might we learn from watching Gemma, Mary, Ravi, and Ivan working together?

    As a technologist, I am scared when I consider the answers these questions might show.

    As a result, I am not foolish or naïve enough to believe anything can be fixed overnight. In fact, I’m reminded that Rome was not built in a day, a month, a year, or even a decade. Rome was built over 100s of years to what it is today.

    With that written, I’m going to get back to the opening. Again, technology will not fix problems. Listening and learning from the people who have the problems will go a long way to making better technology.

    Seems like yesterday

    Why do I say this? Because, it was a major issue over 20 years ago when the Agile Manifesto for Software Development was agreed to address the problems. We are better at building technology.

    I know we can be better still. And by that, I mean we can build better experiences alongside technology.

    We need to meet each other with empathy as humans being. We need to do more than hear each other, we need to deeply listen.

    Firstly, look at human interactions. Secondly, learn to understand how people work. Finally, build delightful products and services based on learning.

    Be bold, be courageous, be willing to fail (learning from the failure), and be humble enough to admit you’re wrong if you’ve acted on assumptions.

    I know that I have been wrong. As a result, it’s not bad to be wrong, it’s just humans being.


    Agile Technology 📎and tagged

  • I Was Blinded By Sound Then Technology Took Hold

    Posted on by Tim

    I was blinded by sound then technology took hold. Not literally blinded, but in the sense because sonar systems on submarines fascinated me and the sound was on full volume, wow! I must admit, the technology bug bit me when I was still in elementary school. How that happened is a post for another time.

    The official phrase is “acoustic analysis” for what I did as a sonar operator in the Navy onboard submarines. I stood sonar watch on the USS ARCHERFISH (SSN 678) and the USS WYOMING (SSBN 742). I might have stood the watch onboard the USS OHIO (SSBN 726), my memory is fuzzy on that one.

    USS ARCHERFHISH 1992
    The USS ARCHERFISH (SSN 678) in Groton, Connecticut, US

    Anyway . . .

    The technology used at the time was fascinating. In a sense, I was blinded by sound then the technology took hold because the sonar array took analogue noise and converted it into a digital signal. I could look at the noise on a display and “see” if it was harmless or a threat.

    This analogue to digital conversion was all it took to pull me into the information technology career field. I was completely unprepared for how fascinating the world of sonar and ACINT (acoustic intelligence) would be. The tech bug bit me harder and has never let go since then!

    For me, this was and still is, the intersection I can point to that set me on the path to find a solid career. My interests continue to orbit around technology, but with a twist. Now those interests consider the human factors involved in building technology.

    With that in mind, I’ll share more of my military technology experience in future posts. Hold on tight as this is just the beginning! You will be in for quite a ride!


    Agile Technology 📎and tagged

  • Team “Human” And How Co-workers Can Make You Laugh, Smile, And Be Happy

    Posted on by Tim

    This was originally posted on LinkedIn. Team human, we’re all on it.

    How were you this week with your team at #humans_being?

    To follow up on my post on Monday, I wanted to share my experience this week showing up with my colleagues. I didn’t experience tech issues this time around, which was wonderful!

    Our learning session on teamwork was thoughtful and thought-provoking.  We tested a couple of approaches in the process of creating the learning experience.  IMO, I’m happy with the outcome, but I could improve my timing and sharing.

    For me, using electronic tools is easy.  Mural, PowerPoint, and Teams are not overly challenging to get proficient at using.  They are and have been part of my way of working for a while and are an enabling constraint for me to deliver content and information that is intended to enable learning.

    Not everyone is so fortunate.  Not every electronic tool is built for #accessiblity or #ease_of_use.  I am mindful that while I might make training #look_easy, it is not easy to #create and #facilitate engaging training.  The electronic tools might hinder learning and prevent the experience of #humans_being.

    Here in the United States and Canada, we are heading into a holiday weekend.  I want to challenge you, my followers, and my connections to consider how the fall or spring seasons might be for you and your teams.

    Old Town Dubrovnik, Croatia

    Team human

    Be mindful that we are still moving through stressful times that serve to create PTS.  Be thoughtful about meeting people where they are at in their career journey, both at work and socially.  Take time to be empathetic and compassionate with yourself and with the people around you.

    Enjoy your weekend and please share your stories.  I have two ears, two eyes, and one mouth, so I should be listening and watching twice as much as talking!

    Huge thanks to Janelle, Lisa, Nicole, and the rest of my Improving colleagues for being a part of the learning journey and showing up!


    Teamwork Technology Training 📎and tagged

  • When Technology Fails, Drink Adult Beverage And Have A Few Laughs

    Posted on by Tim

    This was originally posted on LinkedIn. Empathy and humanity are essential to “showing up”.

    “Showing up” can be frustrating and fun.

    On Wednesday evening, I planned on presenting training for my colleagues at work on “teamwork”.  I prepared, sourced the content and slides, set up exercises in Mural, and opened the Teams call 15 minutes before the meeting start.

    Teams would not let me into the meeting that I set up! Strike 1

    My colleague Ali scheduled another Teams meeting and I joined that call.  I was just getting started and after 15 minutes or so of delay when Strike 2 happened.  My computer froze up.  Reboot, nothing, crickets, another 10 or more minutes gone.

    I was finally able to rejoin after the second reboot, but only one screen was working with my WFH setup. I needed two to move between the Teams discussion and Mural to avoid delays.

    St. Mark’s Square, Venice, Italy

    Empathy and humanity

    Here’s where empathy and just “humans_being” kicked in.

    After a short discussion and out of respect for everyone and the remaining time, we agreed to reschedule the session.  To my amazement and delight Ali, Janelle, Lisa, Nicole, and Patrick stayed online to just talk and connect!

    What I thought was a bit of missed opportunity and wasted time turned into a chance to connect more, laugh more, and share more life.

    It was also the first time I talked about how I navigate life, finding my “new normal” daily, with the challenges around PTS.

    Oh, in case you are wondering, there wasn’t a Strike 3!  I plan to be up-to-bat next week swinging for the fences, “showing up”, all with other “humans_being”!


    Technology 📎and tagged

  • Conference Speaking Really Wasn’t Part Of My Professional Plan, But Hey!

    Posted on by Tim

    This was originally posted on LinkedIn. Conference speaking, for me? No, not really.

    What did you do to show up? 

    I showed up this week (8/19/2021), in a personal way and professionally.

    My professional moment was during the 2021 Summer UACon.  I have Derek Lane to thank for that opportunity.

    My neighbor and I met for coffee last week.  It was a deliberate appointment as he and his family were completing the pack-out of their home to move to Arizona.

    We talked about several topics which have been consistent themes in our conversations over the 4+ years we’ve known each other.  We created space and we showed up, for each other.

    It was a simple way to be “#humans_being”.

    Mozart Café, Salzburg, Austria

    Conference speaking

    Admittedly, it’s kind of cool speaking at a conference. There is something special about sharing insights.

    Above all, it’s about inspiring people, being human, and showing up. In addition, each story shared is unique providing insight that might not be known.

    Before speaking, I have to prepare. It takes time to get a session “just right”. In addition, I rehearse before delivering or recording my session. Further, I have to be in the moment for the time in the session.

    In the end, it’s not about me. It’s about the message being delivered and received by someone who can use it.


    Personal Teamwork Technology Training 📎and tagged