Often we look at the world from a single perspective, assuming that it is the only perspective which exists. Its very easy to fall into this trap, and a lot more difficult to get out of it. Yet if we begin to look at things from a different perspective then it can open up many new doors to us - wether that be creatively or professionally. It can push you towards trying new things, improve relationships and collaboration.
Now before everyone thinks that I have decided to become a management consultant, let me explain… I have just spent the past few days at Flash on the Beach learning new things, meeting interesting people, crashing speaker parties and generally being inspired. It was really a tremendous conference and a big thanks to all the organizers and speakers for making it what it was.
One of the speakers who inspired me in particular was Chris Orwig who wowed us with some amazing photography and some inspirational advice. He used the example of two photo’s, both of the same object - a person and a car set against the backdrop of a beach. The difference was that one photo was taken at eye level, and the other whilst kneeling on the ground. This brought a totally different perspective to the scene, a different feel, and a sense of scale. Whereas previously the man appeared larger than the car, now he was dwarfed by it.
Such a small thing made a huge difference, and I think especially in my field of interactive design and development this is especially true. Lets face it, these days it is easy to build a web app, but it is increasingly difficult to build an amazing web app.
If we look at some of the more special sites, we can see what makes them special - they have been built considering a different perspective - the developers have knelt down and look at it from a different angle, which ultimately feeds and defines the user experience.
From now on, I am going to make a concerted effort to kneel and I would encourage everyone reading this to do the same.
