For the past year, I’ve been running a series of high-learning experiments in design acceleration. These experiments are based around a step-by-step system called Getting2Alpha – focused on testing your ideas with the right early customers using game design thinking and techniques. I’ve run 19 teams through the program, and learned a lot about setting up the right conditions […]
This summer, I’ve been doing something new and scary (for me): building a sales funnel for Getting2Alpha. As I ramp up and field more inquiries, I’m learning how to spot the telltale signs that someone will be either 1) a problem client I wish I’d turned down, or 2) a “tire-kicker” with many questions and requests – but unlikely to […]
After running 19 teams through our Getting2Alpha program, I’ve learned some powerful lessons about accelerating early product development..Lesson #1 is all about the power of small, high-learning experiments to separate the Ninjas from the Wannabes. If you think like a scientist — testing your ideas with an open mind, avidly seeking the truth – you’ll make rapid progress […]
For the past few weeks, my 8-year-old daughter, “L”, has been participating in Connected Camps Minecraft – an educational summer camp that takes place inside of a Minecraft shared server. The camp directors have created a rich and varied environment, with creative, survival and PVP areas that enable different styles of play. Whenever the servers are up, camp counselors are online and available to […]
We just got back from Cazadero Family Performing Arts camp AKA heaven on earth for creative families. All week long, under the majestic redwoods, people young and old are dancing, singing, juggling, clowning, making art and playing music together in multi-generational groups. At Caz, I’m “AJ the bass player” holding down the bottom end in hip-hop, jazz, […]
Yesterday, I wrote about the unlikely connection between Inside Out and Keeping up with the Kardashians. Difficult emotions are part of life – and how we handle them says a lot about our character. In my career as a game designer and startup coach, I’ve worked with dozens of teams who aspire to build something innovative and […]
This past weekend, while folding mountains of laundry, I binge-watched Keeping up with the Kardashians – a show I’ve heard about and read about, but never really understood. This hugely entertaining and mildly nauseating soap opera is a celebration of aspirational consumerism. It’s populated by a vivid ensemble of attractive, fame-hungry celebrity millionaires who act out their family and […]
I’ve just finished up the Spring 2015 Session of Getting2Alpha . We’ve now run 18 teams through this innovative online design program. Our teams came from Israel, Malaysia, South Africa, Australia, Great Britain – as well as the metro USA (NYC, SF, LA). All the teams shared a thirst for actionable techniques to turbo-charge early product design — and a desire to apply the deeper power of gaming to their projects. […]
Here’s a recent talk I did on Co-op Game Design at Hilversum – outside of Amsterdam. I loved the energy and enthusiasm of the young, eager-to-learn students and game designers I met there. VIDEO SLIDES And here’s myTNW Europe keynote on the 7 Habits of Breakthrough Innovators at . Great crowd – businesspeople, designers and […]
Have you ever wondered why game designers hate the word Gamification? This well-intentioned term has become synonymous with the practice of using game mechanics to manipulate behavior – and then claiming the results have “the addictive power of games.” Experienced game designers see through this. They would NEVER focus on game mechanics upfront in their design process. Game designers craft compelling experiences with […]
