The One About Humanity
Sparking curiosity and change.
Hi Everyone,
As I mentioned in the previous newsletter Apple's WWDC was this last week. In typical Apple fashion, it featured a few standard hardware and software announcements, including a new Mac Pro, the end of iTunes, and iPadOS. As expected, the announcements were quite polarizing. For more details and discussion, I recommend reading the write-ups from Ben Thompson (Stratechery) and M.G. Siegler.
On a separate note, I have a new post coming. The post focuses on the changing landscape for startups and small businesses. So keep an eye out for the article.
For now, let’s get back to the good stuff. This week’s newsletter is all about the complex relationship we’re building with technology. There’s a lot to unpack here, but I hope these articles spark your curiosity and create a deeper, more thoughtful discussion.
— Kevin K.
Weekly Reading
1. The world needs a tech diet; here is how designers can help
“First we build the tools, then they build us” – Marshall McLuhan
Digital products and services have altered every aspect of our lives. As digital technologies weave their way deeper into the fabric of our society, we must continue to be conscious and mindful of the experiences we design. Digital designers play an integral role in the evolution of cultural norms and standards. Change takes time, so we must invest now. Designers, this is a CTA for humanity. #tech
2. Human Contact Is Now a Luxury Good
As designers and engineers, what we build is not without consequence. The proliferation of screen-based experiences is changing the world around us, and with it, many of the interactions that make us human. So much of what we get from our phones is the equivalent of digital junk food. Similar to eating a healthy diet, many upper-class families are moving away from the unhealthy habits of our digital society. #culture
3. Bring Your Human to Work
We spend so much of our time at work, and with the growing interest in remote work, it only seems to be increasing. Yet so much of what we espouse lacks a connection with our instincts and human nature. This book unpacks the benefits and building blocks of developing a modern, human-centered workplace. “Your calendar reflects your values.” Read more on rethinking schedules here. #futureofwork
Inspiration
Mercury OS
A speculative vision designed to question the paradigms governing human-computer interaction today.
I love this concept for a few reasons, not the least of which is the focus on a more natural human-machine interaction model. In addition, I think there’s a line connected to a trend I’ve noticed in some of the best consumer-facing products: command-line style interactions. Products that allow you to gain massive speed and efficiency gains through shortcuts.
Weekly Challenge
Take a walk without your phone and just enjoy the experience.
Enjoying Path Nine?
If you liked this post, I’d really appreciate it if you share the post!
Thanks for reading, and see you next week,
— Kevin K.