Comments on: Don’t Force It: Roam Before You Pave

By: Susan Epperson

Susan Epperson — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:08:24 +0000

Thank you Paul!
I have the Creative Whack Pack at home (at least I think it’s at home…haven’t peeked at it for years), and I’ve used that story over and over. And it’s a nice reminder for me to find that deck of cards.
I think we can get so crazed to check items off of our “to do” list that we don’t slow down enough to pay attention to an easy and appropriate alternative.
You and Denise Wymore might be sharing some brain waves on your recent postings. http://denisewymore.wordpress.com/2009/04/02/be-here-now-day/ There’s something in the air.

By: Gareth Cutter

Gareth Cutter — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:56:44 +0000

Thanks, Paul!
Actually, I mentioned this post to a landscape architect friend of mine on the weekend and he said these natural paths are called ‘Lines of Desire’. It’s not the first time he’s come across this kind of planning and design process apparently.
The more I thought about the name ‘Line of Desire’, the more appropriate it became for a business setting: how prospective customers want to interact with a company / brand. And it raises an interesting question: what deadweight can companies remove from their advertising and selling processes to make the path to a purchase easier for customers?
A bit of a tangent, I know but I thought I’d throw it in here!

By: Barbara Phillips Long

Barbara Phillips Long — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 19:56:21 +0000

Colleges have been using the practice of paving (and sometimes removing) paths on quads based on where the foot traffic patterns for some time, perhaps more than a century.
I’d say the practice definitely predates Frank Gehry.

By: Paul Williams

Paul Williams — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 11:28:37 +0000

Michael,
Thanks for your comments. Sounds like the post sparked additional thought, that’s cool. I wish you the best with your product concepts! – Paul

By: Paul Williams

Paul Williams — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 11:26:46 +0000

Thanks for taking the time to comment, KJ! – Paul

By: Paul Williams

Paul Williams — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 11:25:38 +0000

Jan,
Now if that person had found a creative way to take a short-cut across the grass – that would be a different story.
Thanks for adding to the conversation. – Paul

By: Paul Williams

Paul Williams — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 11:17:16 +0000

Stephen – I’m trying to find the original story, location, and actual architect.
It was suggested to me that this story was Frank Gehry… but I haven’t been able to find more detail.
Also reminds me… I loaned my copy of “Why We Buy” and need to get a new one!
Thank you for your comment. – Paul

By: Paul Williams

Paul Williams — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 11:10:15 +0000

Gareth – Thanks for your reaction and thoughts. Best wishes on your Twitter strategy! – Paul

By: Michael Goodman

Michael Goodman — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 21:09:52 +0000

Neat metaphor. I like it. And I’m sitting here thinking about how it applies to a number of new product concepts being considered by my clients.
Thanks.

By: KJ Rodgers

KJ Rodgers — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:54:22 +0000

I loved the descriptions in the story and its hidden message.

By: Jan Richards

Jan Richards — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:47:22 +0000

Excellent post.
I love this philosophy and recommendation. It’s a compelling way to help people understand quickly about customer- or user-focused design.
Here was the opposite circumstance at UC Santa Barbara one day: a rigorous “Don’t Walk on the Grass” sign and a walker using his own natural instincts…all in front of the College of Creative Studies: http://budurl.com/3edd

By: Stephen Denny

Stephen Denny — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:28:27 +0000

I think this vignette was in Paco Underhill’s “Why We Buy,” as well.

By: Gareth Cutter

Gareth Cutter — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:03:40 +0000

I like this philosophy a lot, and the example you’ve picked out is superb!
It’s especially apt for territories unknown to businesses. For example, I’m currently trying to find a way to use social media (Twitter in particular) that benefits both our readers by imparting useful information, and our company by generating new visitors. Rather than go in with any preconceptions, and given that I don’t know much about how people search and interact on the Twitter platform, I’m just going to try and see how I can contribute by doing what comes naturally.
Once again, great post Paul – a nice note to end the week on.

By: Gareth Cutter

Gareth Cutter — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:03:27 +0000