February 12, 2008 14 Comments

Tools Restrict Your Thinking

Never forget that the tools you use to think, to dream, to figure something out, are also opportunities to restrict the way you think about a problem. If you’re already thinking about using a wiki for a project, or a blog, you’ve already made some decisions on all the actions that take place thereafter. Deciding on audio versus video versus text early in the project means that you’re talking tools and not the desired goals of the project. Wherever you can, think with outcomes in mind, not which tools you can use.

Inspired by Jon Udell’s interview with Bill Buxton.

The Genesis Framework empowers you to quickly and easily build incredible websites with WordPress. Whether you're a novice or advanced developer, Genesis provides you with the secure and search-engine-optimized foundation that takes WordPress to places you never thought it could go.

With automatic theme updates and world-class support included, Genesis is the smart choice for your WordPress website or blog.

Find out more about the framework features
Check out the Genesis demo and the wide variety of child themes
See example designs in the Genesis design showcase

Become a StudioPress Affiliate

http://www.onehalfamazing.com Bob

So true. I found this evident when I went to visit the Stax Museum of Soul Music here in Memphis. Most of those artists had nothing but their imagination to work with. The creativity they had came out of the absence of the things they didn’t have.

http://onehalfamazing.com/files/stax_creativity_from_poverty.html

~Bob
http://www.onehalfamazing.com Bob

So true. I found this evident when I went to visit the Stax Museum of Soul Music here in Memphis. Most of those artists had nothing but their imagination to work with. The creativity they had came out of the absence of the things they didn’t have.

http://onehalfamazing.com/files/stax_creativity_from_poverty.html

~Bob
http://www.danielerossi.ca Daniele Rossi

I agree with Bob. It’s like what Hugh McLeod wrote in his ‘How to be creative’ manifesto. Don’t rely too much on your tools– especially the shiny, expensive ones because they are only psychological pillars (crutches).

The tools don’t make you a better artist.
http://www.danielerossi.ca Daniele Rossi

I agree with Bob. It’s like what Hugh McLeod wrote in his ‘How to be creative’ manifesto. Don’t rely too much on your tools– especially the shiny, expensive ones because they are only psychological pillars (crutches).

The tools don’t make you a better artist.
http://remarcom.typepad.com/ Sonia Simone

This is a good point. The corollary is that sometimes the limitations imposed by a tool can free up some interesting new angles. (Think haiku.) But you can’t ever forget that the act of picking your tool closes off a lot of potential paths.
http://remarcom.typepad.com/ Sonia Simone

This is a good point. The corollary is that sometimes the limitations imposed by a tool can free up some interesting new angles. (Think haiku.) But you can’t ever forget that the act of picking your tool closes off a lot of potential paths.
http://www.michaelsampson.net Michael Sampson

You’ve got to read Giddens on structuration theory!
http://www.michaelsampson.net Michael Sampson

You’ve got to read Giddens on structuration theory!
http://remarcom.typepad.com/ Sonia Simone

@Michael, this is the blog generation, can you summarize it in 140 characters or less?

;)
http://remarcom.typepad.com/ Sonia Simone

@Michael, this is the blog generation, can you summarize it in 140 characters or less?

;)
Pingback: Creativity and tools–you need to be open and try new things
http://www.sekstvizle.com porno izle

Aklımı aldin kalbimi caldin.
http://www.pornozirve.com seks

Dusundukce kananmayan yara kanarr oldu.
http://www.savetubevideo.com youtube downloader

This is a good point.

Tools Restrict Your Thinking

ChrisBrogan.com runs on the Genesis Framework

Supporters

About

Subscribe