We're living through a pandemic. Still solving big problems? Check ✅

A few days ago Richard Banfield raised a provocative question in this tweet: This is a really good time to be asking, ...


A few days ago Richard Banfield raised a provocative question in this tweet:

This is a really good time to be asking, “Are we even designing and making the right things for this new world?”

Time to really scrutinize those roadmaps and plans.

I would add a follow-up to his question:

Are we even designing and making things that truly matter to people?

When everyone’s health is at risk, and people are panicking—stockpiling groceries and household supplies; making quick and emotional decisions out of fear and uncertainty; and possibly re-evaluating their own lives… it’s a perfect time to look at what your business is doing and what its purpose is in the world.

Are you producing a vital product or service that people continue to need and want, or are you starting to learn that that your business isn’t as important to your customers as you had hoped or thought?

As part of my company’s mission to eliminate the functional, emotional, and social obstacles caused by hearing loss, I follow several Facebook groups where people support each other 24/7 on all topics related to hearing loss, assistive technologies, and all of the struggles and stressors that come with it. I found it interesting that there were far fewer posts about COVID-19 on these groups than the rest of the internet. I think this is an indication that the problems these groups of people are facing are bigger than having to make some basic lifestyle changes. Many of these folks have spent years and decades coping with obstacles, facing adversity, making compromises, and finding workarounds to their most basic human needs and wants. Adapting to COVID-19 restrictions is just another new challenge in what has been a long series of challenges.

Am I designing and making the right things for this new world? Yes, no doubt. Immo keep going.


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