The world keeps moving faster and faster. It’s increasingly hard to filter out the most important 'signals from the noise' with the time we have available. Below is a summary of the most interesting and relevant topics that have passed through my signal filter.
"Because of the invisibility of any environment during the period of its innovation, man is only consciously aware of the environment that has preceded it; in other words, an environment becomes fully visible only when it has been superseded by a new environment; thus we are always one step behind in our view of the world. The present is always invisible because it’s environmental and saturates the whole field of attention so overwhelmingly; thus everyone is alive in an earlier day."
- Marshall McLuhan
Technology
Mobile is killing Desktop, and within the Mobile category Apps are killing the Mobile Web. Should we be worried that apps are largely controlled by gatekeepers like Apple and Google?
A lot of the hotel disruption narrative sits with AirBnb, but it is hard to argue on the immense impact of TripAdvisor. This interesting article delves Inside the impact of the crazy world of a company that crowd sources all reviews - and has been shown to actually make hotel service better.
A great (and hilarious) look-back at a game changing product. What happens when current Photoshop experts try their hands at the 25 year old Photoshop 1.0.
Bandcamp, the direct to fan music delivery platform have reached a huge milestone - $100 million USD delivered to music artists through direct sales. There is still life in the music industry yet.
If you have been using ‘above the fold’ as part of your lingo, it’s time to stop. New research from Huge Inc shows that everybody scrolls, no matter the size of screen or device. Long feeds like Facebook and Twitter have changed user behavior for good.
Four quick Gifs that outline the four main types of UX testing that help build products that grow. If you are building any sort of digital platform, make sure you understand each:
Google Researchers are developing a way to rank pages by facts, not links, by using a proprietary Knowledge Vault. It is amazing to see how much of the worlds knowledge the search giant is holding.
Strategy
Does your company embrace failure and experimentation as part of its DNA? Astro Teller from Google X outlines the recipe for Moonshots - huge problems with radical, world changing solutions that utilize breakthrough technology.
Six easily overlooked traps that signal that you have a worrisome organizational strategy in place. Check it against your current actions, and see if you need to course correct.
There are 5,000 companies in the world more than 200 years old. More than 3,000 are in Japan. A great insight into the strategies they employ to remain long-lasting.
How Levi’s became a brand with staying power. Lessons on commitment, going for emotional response, defying trends, and how to remain relevant for 162 years.
Do you want to be BMW, or Toyota? A great insight into the mindset of Steve Jobs as he positioned Apple for greatness.
With the average user unlocking his or her smartphone 150 times a day, there’s less tolerance for a bad experience. Design is no longer a nice to have, it’s a winning investment.
Products
A great overview of the Apple Watch from Daring Fireball, and insights into how Apple positions groundbreaking products (three things, anchored to something tangible). If your going to read one review of the Watch, make it this one.
Amazon just launched Dash, a simple IoT button to order and replace common household items. One tap and your restocked.
The New Yorker has released Strongbox, a Tor network accessible repository for citizens and whistleblowers to share information.
Startups
How Chris Sacca, one of the most interesting recent ‘Super Angels’ crafted one of the most sought after billion dollar seed portfolios.
Advertising
Prepare to open up your wallet and cringe. A price lice of the biggest Advertising placements in dollar terms, from TV to digital.
How are brands adapting to the ‘post-website publishing era’? Lessons from MTV as it joins platform Kik.
To remain on the forefront of culture in Advertising, you need to take calculated risks. Lessons learned from Lincoln’s success with their polarizing ads.
To finish, Game of Thrones is back! Seth Meyers shows why you shouldn't invite Jon Snow to a dinner party.