Lately there have been quite a lot of so-called “unsolicited redesigns” posted all over the web and I do applaud the effort, don’t get me wrong. I just can’t help but wonder why you would want to take a shot at Microsoft, Facebook or even Apple’s new iOS interface.

These concepts really do look superb and you can tell a lot of hours have gone into those projects. However, there is only one tiny detail that leaves me skeptical about this approach: the final product is already out there and set in stone. So unless you work at said companies, chances are pretty slim that your design would actually get noticed, much less have an impact on how people use the product. At least I tend to think that’s what it’s all about in the end: having a positive impact on your users. Making life easier and more enjoyable.

Granted, if you are lucky and the right people notice, you just might turn that concept of yours into reality. I mean it worked out alright for Andrew Kim after all.

I guess it’s worth a shot, but why not try to fix things that are in dire need of fixing instead? Think of products you use on a daily basis that leave you really frustrated because of poor design decisions. Pick it apart, figure out what could be improved and get to work.

Now please excuse me while I finish up my redesign of twitter.

For this very first entry I decided to tackle a recurring problem I’ve been facing lately: putting things off. Whether it’s been myself telling others about upcoming projects I have in mind or people of my entourage waiting for the right opportunity to take action in situations such as personal life, work and whatnot. I noticed the more you talk, the less you will actually achieve. It felt as if just saying what you are going to do already brought you halfway there. As if the hardest part was done.

At that moment you don’t even realise that the more you wait to actually get things going, the less likely you are to complete said project. Unfortunately time is only your second worst enemy. The worst? Excuses. Plain and simple.
When it comes to taking action, all of a sudden you have too much work, other priorities, more pressing things to do or are just tired.

Breaking the habit

I find that one of the hardest things to do is breaking old habits, but what is even harder is to pick up new, positive habits such as going to the gym regularly or writing 1,000 words every single day. Consistency over time takes a lot of dedication, patience and hard work. Launching a blog is something I’ve been putting off for far too long and I feel like now is as good time as any to start. Sure, I do have other side projects and priorities that will require my attention, but you have to start somewhere right? And if not now, when?

The same goes for anything in life really. If you have things in mind you’d like to start soon, do it now. And keep it at it. Don’t just wait for inspiration or the right moment. Learn by doing. It’s okay if you make mistakes.

At last

Ironically, you would have been able to also include this very website on my “to-do sometime” list until recently. Granted, it is still a work-in-progress but the fact that you’re reading this, is probably a good sign for things to come. I hope you’ll enjoy the ride.