Agile Product Management was the subject for October’s ProductTank, with talks from Roman Pichler, Harvey Wheaton and Tom Loosemore. Agile management is an iterative method of determining requirements for projects in a highly flexible and interactive manner, and on client side projects working to budgetary requirements, rather than fixed scopes and specifications, it is being adopted by many organisations.

Roman Pichler gave us a summary of what agile product management is, and how this affects Product Managers. The product manager is effectively an Entrepreneur on the inside, an Intrapreneur. It’s hard for people to take control of the product management from the original product owner in smaller companies, and difficult to foster ideas and get them started in bigger companies. A product manager needs to be close to customers, users, developers, testers and in tune with the market.

Roman also described the beenfits of a vision statement. He explained the four key things to include are target group (using persona’s), needs (user journey’s and personas), solution (3 to 5 top level features and wireframes) and value (business model canvas). Then, use this vision statement to communicate and share the vision of the end product. Maintin it so that it’s current and keep everyone aware of it.

By using quick lifecycles (of launch, test, feedback), facilitating end user feedback early and often, validating assumptions quickly and using an ongoing larning process, the team can use agile to it’s advantage.

Own the product, inspect and adapt.

Harvey Wheaton from Supermassive Games talked about how they use agile processes within their organisation. Most games are produced in 12-18 month lifecycles, and with around 15-20 people within the game team. They focus on the first two ideas within the agile manifesto:

1. Individuals and interactions over processes and tools

2. Working software over comprehensive documentation

Harvey explained that these two principles are more important than processes. Each new employee into the company is introduced into the agile way of working. It’s a deliberate culture to encourage people to develop and test early at the beginning of the process and to be able to speak their mind if they need to during a project.

The product backlog for each product is mapped out using boards of post-it notes which are arranged in a timeline and colour-coded to describe which parts of the project are largest. Each one represents a feature, and once that feature is complete then it goes in the bin.

Levels of functionality describe how they know the product is complete. Prototype > Alpha > Beta > Final etc.

“People will make important what you pay attention to.”
- Mike Laddin

Last up was Tom Loosemore who has been working on the public prototype of alpha.gov.uk which is an experimental prototype of a single UK Government website. It aims to be as simple as possible, and to place the needs of citizens first. The website is about bringing all of the UK government’s online information, resources, forms and transactions into a single website.

Martha Lane Fox reviewed the current approach of the government and explained that it needed revolution to get where it needed to go, and not evolution. The site was built within 10 weeks and with 10 people. The features are implemented wide and shallow in order to tackle as many different parts of the site as possible.

The site was done with limited resources, budget, space and even internet connection. Using agile product management, the team learned the top 150 user needs and prioritised 60 of them for their product backlog. They put together their own design rules:

1. Google is the homepage (less than 6% see the real homepage)
2. Do less
3. Optimise for the common case
4. Hide complexity
5. Tools before content (interactive tools)
6. UIDs and permanent links
7. All content is not equal
8. Device agnostic
9. IE6 is dead

Tom also described the importance of hiring people who have a good attitude, can accept criticism and want to have open conversations, as well as how important it is to give people an umbrella to say no when required.

Overall the three speakers talked about being agile in the workplace, adapting to use what you have when you have it, and the massive importance of the environment in which agile is used. Testing early and testing often, instigating user feedback and feeding that back into the system is also important, and ensuring that big issues are fixed early can save a lot of extra work later on.

Being agile doesn’t just include process, but it’s attitude, environment, decisions, tools and culture as well. An idea which anyone can adopt, sneak into their workplace and help to improve how products and projects are run and delivered.

Image – Agile Product Management speakers

Outside the Design Museum in London at the moment in the think tank is a bit about the history of Coke (Coca Cola, that is)…

It’s a good look at some of the brand guidelines for Coke – although i’m not entirely sure whether it’s new or old – it’s definitely something quite interesting. To go into this much detail about how the text should be aligned is very specific.

I recently had the chance to see North Kingdom as part of a D&AD Presidents Lecture in London. Hosted by Sanky from AllofUs, the event allowed two of North Kingdom to spread the word about their creative practice.

Co-founder Robert Lindström and Senior Producer Marcus Ivarsson came down from Skellefteå to show London more about their world and their work.

Skellefteå’s city centre is extremely reminiscent of a standard British town which hasn’t really had much love. An urban oasis in the far north of Sweden, home to about 30,000 people with the odd five story medium-high rise block of offices. It is this unassuming town which is home to the folk at North Kingdom.

Attention to detail

The lasting impression from the two Swedes was that North Kingdom value and maintain high quality, award winning, work. They go the extra mile to achieve a perfect product, even finishing off some of their work after it has been delivered to the client, just to finalise the details and ensure complete satisfaction.

Many of the projects are multi-disciplinary and their belief in cross-competency teams and individuals shows through in their work which encompasses film sets, videos, illustration, 3D modelling and animation, artworking, website design, product concepts and much more.

One particular project which, I think, shows off these skills is the Adidas Team Geist project to support the German football team during the world cup. The aim of the website was to get visitors to help find the German football team’s identity. The core of this was a strategy football game.

The attention to the graphics, game, animation and ensuring that all of these elements tie in together is a wonderful feat, which is admired.

See more at:  http://www.northkingdom.com/case-studies/adidas-teamgeist/

Process – The F.U.C.K. Rule

I’d normally avoid swearing on this blog, but when there is a process which I think makes sense, it’s worth mentioning. North Kingdom’s process is essentially broken down into F.U.C.K. It’s a unique way of remembering the order of things, how the work should be done and what is important.

• Function
• Usability
• Cosmetics
• Kärlek (Love in Swedish)

The fact that such a creative agency puts function and usability at the beginning of their process is actually very admirable. I haven’t quite decided whether they mean this in a creative sense, i.e. the function of the creative is to communicate a message, or the function of the product which could be a game or website. Either way, I like this idea of process where form follows function.

Love

The last item in the process is love, and that is where I get the impression the magic happens, and the final details and creative finesse is put into the work. But it’s not just about the work. The importance of and value placed on Love also shows through throughout everything they do.

Their offices are crafted into a more homely environment to encourage a better working environment. They partake in personal projects as part of what they do, and not just because it makes money – e.g. Woodbot Piliot. Their blog communicates all of this so well.

Overall, the talk was especially insightful into the world of a different agency. How they work, use process and SCRUM, finalise the details, the length of projects and the involvement of their teams. Every insight is valuable and this is a fantastic one!

Image by mediadeo

I recently visited the Tate Modern just before the Sunflower Seeds exhibition by Ai Weiwei closed. I didn’t expect to be exposed to lead paint and silica dust.

Half of the Turbine Hall of the Tate Modern on the South Bank in London was covered in small sunflower seed husks. They weren’t exactly real sunflower seeds, but instead carefully crafted and handmade porcelain versions.

When the exhibit was first opened, people could freely walk on the exhibit. this was quite quickly stopped and a small barrier erected around the perimeter.

Whilst I was visiting the Sunflower Seeds exhibition, a number of people invaded the exhibit, and so I asked one of the Tate staff why it was closed in the first place.

They said that it was because a fine silica dust was formed within the Turbine Hall and is actually toxic to breathe in. This, combined with the fact that the Sunflower Seeds were painted with lead paint, combined to make them quite toxic.

Due to the fact that the dust cloud was generated, lead paint was used AND people were picking up the sunflower seeds and taking them away (which is actually stealing a work of art) the perimeter was introduced.

The Unilever series is sponsored by Unilever (durrr!). Perhaps one of the biggest companies in the world. Some of their visions include working to create a better future every day and helping people feel good, look good and get more out of life. I’m not really sure how kicking up a toxic silica dust and using lead paint tie in with this vision?

Does the responsibility of the danger lie solely with the artist? Should sponsors of art work investigate the materials they use in more depth? And should participants in the exhibition be informed if they are entering an exhibit which could cause irritation?

I bought my Honda CB600F Hornet a year ago and I’ve been commuting on average 100 miles per week since then. I wanted to take this opportunity to share my thoughts on what I have learned.

Know the bike

I had a smile on my face all the way home from the dealership. Even though it was raining and I had a Monster disclock and Abus chain lock in my backpack, I remember being very pleased, even managing to swing by my partner’s house to show it off. The 2004 Honda CB600F Hornet was now in my posession!

I very quickly learned bmy first lesson. Having parked the bike outside the house overnight, and attempting to start it in the morning, it quickly became apparent that it had a choke. Unfortunately something I neglected to think about before buying it. The bike has a carboretta instead of fuel injection, so needs a little manual control in the mornings before heading off. That was the first lesson – learn how the bike works.

Once I was using it more frequently, and travelling into work every day with the summer approaching, it got more and more comfortable. It handles superbly well, although with nothing to compare it to, I would say that! I find it very easy to control. Accellerating and decellerating is easy, the throttle and brakes are responsive. In traffic I soon got used to handling the bike, weaving in and out of traffic and obstacles in the way. I’m still learning the control, but it’s amazing how responsive the bike it.

The first thing I have learned is how much petrol it uses and when I need to get some more. I keep the fuel switch on reserve and watch for the fuel light. I know I have about 10 miles after that before I run out. I’ve started to get an idea of how much oil it uses too and what it sounds like so if something does come loose I should recognise it. The thing which seems to need changing most frequently is the chain slack, and it becomes obvious when it needs tightening when the chain starts to grind. And, I’ve managed to do a realistic cost calculation of my London commute, and although it isn’t cheaper, I know how much it costs me to use it.

Know when to catch it and when to get out of the way! - Doble Motorcycles

The best piece of advice I’ve had so far was from the dealership, before I had even bought the bike. The guy said, if you lose control of the bike and it’s going to fall over then make sure you get out of the way. It’s sure come in handy a couple of times! Luckily the crash bungs have saved any major damage. Although the bike is heavy, it’s fairly easy to get back on and head off again.

Know yourself

The second thing I have learned is about myself. The first thing I did was to adjust my riding position. I lean slightly into the front of the bike, gripping the tank with my legs, and keep my shoulders and arms pretty loose. It’s not quite perfect but I’m getting better. I find that the looser my arms, the lighter the bike feels and the more control I have. If I sit back I can get caught a little unaware and find myself hanging on rather than being in control! I have also noticed the control I can gain when putting weight onto either of the pedals.

I’ve also made sure that I am aware and awake. Riding a bike naturally seems to make me more aware and I certainly wake up quicker than if I was getting the train. But I am constantly aware of my energy levels, any comfort, how cold or warm I am and I am also a little bit more aware of the weather.

The other important thing to mention is the gear. The AGV GP-Tech motorcycle helmet has been great. Very comfortable and an excellent choice. The other Hein Gericke kit which I bought has fit and lasted well so far. My Sidi boots are brilliant. My North Face backpack has started to wear out with a small hole in the bottom just waiting to get bigger (but then it is 10 years old or something!!). When I start losing shopping I may upgrade to a Kriega.

The winter has been pretty hard. The coldest part of my body is definitely my fingers. The exposure to the wind and close contact with metal brake and clutch levers means that they get really cold, very quickly! I may look at getting some mits or thicker gloves next Winter!

Know the road

The road is one of the most important things to learn about. When I first had the bike I was pretty much always riding in the light and in dry weather. That was great! I usually took one of three routes to work and so I have started to build up a memory of where manhole covers and pot holes are, especially on corners. This helped prepare me for the cold, wet and dark winter. A little less to worry about!

But it’s not necessarily about one route or road in particular, but the ability to read it better, understand it better and also predict what you might have to deal with at any certain moment. Finding by chance and reading Motorcycle Roadcraft: The Police Rider’s Handbook to Better Motorcycling definitely has helped me learn more about the road and the rules, but also more about how the bike performs under these conditions.

Have Fun!!

The main thing which I have learned is to have fun. Step the speed down a notch (a lot if it’s raining), take my time into and out of corners and it becomes so enjoyable. Working hard to get the technique as good as I can really makes the effort worth while. I am learning more about the hazards including pedestrians, other road users and the natural flow of traffic. Bus lanes are especially tricky to watch out for!

So after a year of motorcycling, I am completely hooked.  Hopefully the next year will be full of more excitement, traffic free commuting and some motorcycling events!

Donald Judd describes John Pawson’s work as ‘The simple expression of complex thought’. The exhibition on Pawson’s work at the Design Museum, which ended recently, shows a great overview of his design approach and methodology to architectural practice.

In order to understand some of the complex thought which goes into his projects, there is the global methodology of the architect and then the attention to detail which is given to each project.

‘The state of minimum is not one of austerity nor deprivation. It is clarity of space’. - John Pawson

This quote explains his overall approach to minimalist design. Concentrating on the pure form, importance of space and the use of a lot of white paint.

Some of the attention to detail explained by the exhibition and especially within the Monstary project was quite interesting. One of the Monks’ specific requests were to have no individual lighting within the dormatory, but general lighting only. And a certain section of the dormatory was required to be specifically set aside for those who snored!

The level of detail within the requirements on this project was fascinating. Sound levels and materials, light and other things you don’t think about during the course of everyday life.

This project, the requirements, the final piece and the models which were created along the way gave a great insight into how Pawson’s architectural methodology allowed them to explore creating the best use of space, and the models really helped to show how much consideration went into the physical art form of the buildings.

John Pawson’s starting point for every project is a minute and detailed examination of its context. He explores landscapes… in order to trigger ideas. He looks for ways of making the most of the light conditions. - Words from Design Museum on Landscape and Material

A full understanding of the context and the requirements, knowledge about the materials used and an understanding of how to use space are just some of the qualities shown within the exhibition, which should be understood by all architects. Indeed, this could even be applied to any form of art and design. Understand what you are doing, how you’re going to do it including the materials you are going to use, and then produce something with meaning in the right context.

If you do get to check out any of John Pawson’s work in the future, take a look. It’s totally worth it.

A couple of photos below show the level of detail which is communicated in John Pawson’s models.

More photos from John Pawson Plain Space.

Ive just started planning the second Digital Project Managers London Meetup. The next one is on the 26th January 2011.

I’m currently sourcing a venue but the next Digital Project Managers London meetup will be at the end of January to allow for a little bit of recovery after Christmas!

I’ve also changed the name and branding slightly to give the meetup group a little bit more of an interesting and professional feel. And, now there’s a recognisable logo which I can post on the blog to link through to the meetup!

So, if you’re a Project Manager or Producer in London, in digital, new media, video, film, computer games or other forms of digital work then please take the time to come and join us for a few drinks and some chitter chatter.

Digital Project Managers London Meetup (meetup.com)

I spend most of my working day as a Digital Project Manager. Actually, aside from lunch, it’s what I spend my entire day doing. I want to get in touch with a few more though, so I have started a meetup.

In an effort to meet more Digital Project Managers and learn and develop further than within the confines of where I work, I have started the The London Digital Project Management Group. The general idea is to have a number of pub meets within London where we can discuss project management methodologies, techniques for getting work done more effectively and anything else which might come up in the meet.

Initially, I don’t anticipate many people attending, but along the way I hope that a number of people will get involved so that we can share knowledge and insight between the different experiences that we have.

Everyone is welcome, and it’s completely free. So, if you’re interested, head over to the meetup page and sign up. The first meetup is on the 26th October.

The London Digital Project Management Group

Photo: Eerste Wereldoorlog, zeeoorlog by Nationaal Archief

Friday marked the launch of the London Design Festival with the writing of the words “LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL 2010 IS NOW OPEN” on the set of Audi production line robots which have been placed in Trafalgar Square.

Even though I missed the opening line, there were plenty of messages which came flooding through from their website. You can log on and submit a message of your choosing, with it randomly being selected through a lottery type system. It is then written, recorded and played back both online and also on the LED type display which surrounds the installation. Take a look at the video below and the picture above to understand how it works.

London Design Festival – Outrace – Audi Robots from Richard Stowey on Vimeo.

If you are in London between the 16th and 23rd of September, then go and take a look. Apart from it being crowded with tourists who are probably wondering what on earth it is, it’s a chance to see some production environment machinery in real life. The London Design Festival also has other events on in London this week. A full schedule can be found by going to the London Design Festival website.

It’s also worth checking out some of the designers other collaborative work: Clemens Weisshaar and Reed Kram

Image Outrace – London Design Festival 2010 by Richard Stowey, on Flickr

After passing my Direct Access motorcycle test last August, and since moving from the country into London, I recently purchased a Honda CB600F Hornet. It’s not the one above, but slightly older. Over the past month, i’ve been getting to grips with some of the trials and tribulations of riding a motorcycle in London, and commuting to work on it.

Here are some of the lessons i’ve learnt.

1. It always costs more than you think it will

I ended up spending slightly more on the bike than I thought I would. I figured that going for a slightly newer and better model than i was going to, and getting it from a dealer would help the bike last longer, and be a little more modern in terms of the features (it has a clock, which apparently is a real bonus!).

I anticipated buying a few items, but then realised how much more there is. Helmet, boots, gloves, jacket, trousers, scarfs, ear plugs, visor cleaner, bike cleaner, oil, brake fluid and coolant. In comparison to the train, it’s more of a similar cost than I originally anticipated.

2. The Helmet is harder to buy than the bike

The helmet took me several sessions to find, and I was comparing the Shoei XR1100 with the AGV GP-Tech for a while, trying each on quite a few times before deciding. Once you take it out the shop, there’s no taking this sucker back!! They compared well, and the differences were minimal. The tightness of the padding around my face was the main reason I went with the AGV GP-Tech in the end.

3. What feels right, probably is!

I researched for a month or so to find the right bike. It was a battle between getting the bike I wanted, and being able to pay for the insurance. So the trade-off began.

I honed in on the Suzuki SV650, which although I thought looked nice, once I sat on it I realised that the sports style bikes weren’t going to be as comfortable. The dealership had a few naked style Honda’s in too, and once I sat on the Honda CB600F, I realised how nice it could be to ride.

After a test ride, it was mine. And after a month of commuting on it, I feel like I made the right decision. Easy to ride, comfortable and a good riding position. It also has the option to add a topbox onto the back, which would provide additional storage if needed.

4. Noone sees you

The first thing i learnt is that noone sees you, except perhaps other motorcyclists. This is especially true of van drivers without back windows, and frustrated car drivers looking to bypass the traffic. You have to be so mindful that people aren’t expecting you to be there, and be prepared to get out the way if they do something unexpected.

5. I really don’t want it to break!

Unlike any other vehicle I have owned, this is one which I feel I should take more care of, and look after better. I’m quite happy not to check the oil in a car I own for hundreds of miles, but I am trying to keep a regular check on all parts of the CB600F, just to make sure that it’s running in good order.

I’m clocking up the mileage quite quickly, with a combined journey of around 100 miles per week, along with the occasional pleasure trip, and getting to know the area. It’s brought a completely view for me to how London is connected, and opens up so much more in terms of getting around for less.

Keep tuned to find out how I get on with my various motorcycle adventures in the future.

Image by Worldwidemotorcycles