...when 140 characters are not enough

Even though the Fall semester is over, I continue to work on my Capstone project. I have learned that when I am writing stuff that is really "important" it takes me about five times longer to write. I have also started to appreciate the value of balancing reading with writing. I find that I cannot just read, read, read and then write, write, write. It seems to work better for me if I read, write, read, write, read, write. Another thing that I have noticed is a part of my reading is going back and reading what I wrote, which in turn usually prompts me to go read something else new in order to clarify what I have already written. I guess you could call it "reflection-in-action" in action. ;-)

I am finding this to be very productive but also very time consuming. How do people write entire books? I go a whole day and am lucky if I have generated 1,000 words. So this is what is leading me to start posting some stuff to my blog. I have a bunch of content but know that I still have a ton of stuff to do. Sometimes, I am wondering if it is too much to tackle.

I am going to post excerpts from my project when I am ready for other eyes to see them. My primary motivation for this is that I will get your critique, feedback, insights, suggestions, ideas, and links to other good resources. I know that the more input I get from others in this field, the more clear my thoughts and insights will be. So, here you go. Have at it. Any and all (constructive) criticism is welcome and solicited. I am starting with the Abstract from the paper.

Abstract
The global use of information and communication technology (ICT) is growing at an unprecedented rate. We are now able to share and consume text-based, audio and video data with more people and in more ways than ever before in the history of mankind.

The overall long-term impact of this massive global expansion of technology is still not clear. The technological innovations that we are witnessing are described by some as being “disruptive”. They result in the generation of brand new organizations that were not possible before. They can also lead to an organization’s failure. We are seeing radical transformation taking place in all types of organizations including government entities, Fortune 500 companies, universities, hospitals, and small businesses. Organizations of all sizes and types are struggling with gaining an understanding of the transformational effect this technology is having. No one is exempt.

This massive transformation has also generated new industries, careers and work environments. The role of “traditional” designers has changed as well. In the midst of this phenomenal expansion of innovation and technology, it appears that a substantial communication gap has developed between the design and non-design professions. This dissonance hinders progress, interaction, and collaboration on all fronts.

The overall purpose of this project is to develop a deeper understanding of design as it fits into this new world that we are creating with today’s information and communication technology. It is my intention that this research will allow me to help others appropriate design principles and thinking more fully, whether or not they consider themselves to be in the design profession. Further, I hope that the findings from this research will facilitate more effective communication and interaction regarding the role of design within the overall goals and objectives of organizations of all types and sizes.