Affinity Space

This represents a rudimentary Affinity Space - a space wherein ideas aggregate according to other ideas they relate to. An Affinity Space exercise serves to organize thoughts and allow them to be enhanced conceptually by the juxtaposition of others. The ideas in the space come from The Practical Wisdom Project, a book I am working on with a former monk and a leadership coach about the practical path to truth. The quotes are direct quotes from these two humble and intelligent thought leaders.

SXSW Jane McGonigal

Who can make the case that virtual realities are superior to real realities? Jane McGonigal. Period. The Institute for the Future can explain.

SXSW Frank Warren

So you can get some context on how graphic recording works: Here is a photograph of me working while Frank Warren (author and curator of The PostSecret Project) is presenting in the background. I am essentially capturing the content using visual language and iconography. The SXSW Interactive participants love it, and the mural is an excellent way to summarize his main points and allow other participants to blog (or speak, for those of you of the older persuasion) about them later. See below for the full image.

SXSW 2008 - Frank Warren and the PostSecret Project

So, today at SXSW Interactive 2008, I graphically recorded Frank Warren. He's the author and curator of The PostSecret Project, which involves giving people blank, stamped post cards to be sent back to his address. His request is that people write one secret on the post card - one that is authentic and has never been told. Over time, Warren began to be flooded with post cards, some tragic, some criminal, some heroic. His presentation to the audience was eloquent but his message was simple: We don't keep our secrets; our secrets keep us. And sharing them takes courage but ultimately allows you to be free. It was a remarkable session.

SXSW 2008 - Facebook's CEO - Mark Zuckerberg Keynote

On the 2nd day of the SXSW 2008 Interactive Festival, I graphically recorded the keynote from the ever-interesting CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg. Other than a moment of mayhem wherein the crowd booed the interviewer, Sarah Lacy, the recording went off without a hitch. Because of the level of creativity in the crowd, they seem to naturally understand the value of visual language. Which, for someone who frequently has to make acase for it, is a beautiful thing.

SXSW Interactive - Henry Jenkins and Steven Johnson Opening

SXSW Interactive 2008, baby! Henry Jenkins of 'Convergence Culture' fame (among other notable books) and Steven Johnson ('Everything Bad is Good for You') gave the opening remarks for SXSW this year. I graphically recorded their dialogue about media, youth, and the future of education and civic participation. The crowd was amazing - full of individuals brimming with ideas about reshaping the way we do...well, everything. Except for PB&J.

Customization Examples and Applications

Dr. Sue Tinnish of SEAL, Inc. asked me to partner with her at the 2008 MeetDifferent conference in Houston, TX. She facilitated a session called 'Having Meeting Content Your Way: The Demand for Customized Content,' which centered around the fact that modern-day consumers expect many things - including meetings - to be tailored to their individuality. She and I engaged the group in its deliberation about how this expectation will govern the future of meeting content and formats.