
June 9, 2009
Activity Mapping for Product Development

January 2, 2009
Design Considerations

The attached notes are from the design chapter of the book; "let my people go surfing". http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/search/esearch.jsp?OPTION=ESEARCH&N=0&special=both&Ntt=let+my+people+go+surfing The main topics are a good place to start when considering product development. Use them as a check list for general considerations. But like any “how to” book the experience brings deeper insight. As with any philosophical discussion it is good to know when you’re chasing your tail, when you’re making a choice, and what type of argument you’re making. To this end I have started reading “Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar” http://www.platoandaplatypus.com/index.php It defines paradox “a piece of reasoning using apparently sound logic and apparently true premises that nevertheless results in a contradiction.” I have also read the classic “The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_22_Immutable_Laws_of_Marketing I especially like #14 “For every attribute, there is an opposite, effective attribute.” When creating new products it is good to have a checklist, or at least a few sound questions you ask yourself at each step of the development process. Hope this helps.
Fortune say; "Those who chase tails are good like dogs."
November 8, 2008
Gritty Pack
I really like this pack for the design concept, and the never seen before details and features. From studying this pack I have learned a lot about pack design and the potential success in the pack market. The fit, some patterning, the main material choice, total volume, and ease of access were off. I know that a lot of work went into the concept. It fell short on meeting expectations, and wasn’t given the chance to evolve. But I still love this pack.There is a design battle going on out there between weight and comfort. Many designs focus on new innovation or technology to develop light weight comfort vs. other designs focus on minimalism and less weight for ultimate trail comfort. Weight of what will be carried is often a factor as well as activity. Links to some of the most technical design strategies for pack comfort.
http://www.ospreypacks.com/Suspensions/
http://www.arcteryx.com/iframe/pack-fit-guide-full.html
http://www.gregorypacks.com/us/?option=com_gregorypacks&act=technologies&task=technical&cid=8 http://www.mountainhardwear.com/en-EU/Exodus.aspx
October 2, 2008
Houdini Pack
Service
When actions speak louder than words, or paranoia gets the better of you, this conversation is how the mind interprets through the lenses of fear, anger and sarcasm. This is a conversation from my head about my ski binding experience at a local pro ski shop (see image above). At the time I was angry, but it is an example how I see things differently today.Shop Punk Actions
"Um ........ Jim we don't know you and we don't appreciate that you bought your skis and bindings on the cheap elsewhere and brought them here to have us mount them for you. So we decided not to remove the manufacturer’s production sticker from the skies (after we removed the plastic shrink wrap), before we mounted the bindings for you."
Jim’s Mind
“I thought the sticker was on the outside of the shrink wrap?”
Shop Punk Actions
“Actually…….. Jim we were so upset that you didn’t buy the ski set up at full retail from us; we carefully took the sticker off the plastic shrink wrap and placed them on the skies under the mount point. And, all for just thirty dollars.”
Jim’s Mind
“Understood, thank you for letting me know, I won’t let it happen again…”
[Just, FYI ….. I got the bindings on “pro-deal” and bought the skis at a K2 “friends of the industry sale” on Vashon]
The truth is I prefer small local pro shops, even if the shop punk gives me attitude, it feels more real. They also know a lot and have an opinion, and if you talk past the attitude they will tell you how much they know about the gear and help you come to good conclusions. The trick for me is to see past the attitude and keep the conversation about the product. Ultimately, these types of small shop punks will not only help you with your gear needs, they will help you see yourself. Do not react to the attitude, focus on your need to understand the gear and focus on not taking other peoples issues personally. Lessons Learned [don’t complain about the attitude and mount your own ski bindings]
September 30, 2008
PODS
Pinnacle Lake Trail
I hiked up to Pinnacle Lake yesterday. The road is washed out 1.5 miles before the trail head and the trail is a little over grown. The trail is just over 2 miles to the lake. Pinnacle lake sits below Mount Pilchuck. http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/recreation/activities/trails/drd/drd_0703.htm
Press release on Murders at Pinnacle Lake back in 2006.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003122375_webdeadhikers12.html
Here is the blog that speculates about the 2 murders. http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15630
Here is a a blog that has the reaction from other hikers.
http://forums.groundspeak.com/GC/lofiversion/index.php?t138128.html
Here is the latest info on a Documentary in the works.
http://www.king5.com/topstories/stories/NW_092908WAB_stodden_murder_documentary_TP.c62a554d.html
MSNBC picks up the story from King 5.
September 28, 2008
Seattle Washington
September 12, 2008
P90X
ASTM Officer Training
http://www.astm.org/
“ASTM International, originally known as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), was formed over a century ago, when a forward-thinking group of engineers and scientists got together to address frequent rail breaks in the burgeoning railroad industry. Their work led to standardization on the steel used in rail construction, ultimately improving railroad safety for the public. As the century progressed and new industrial, governmental and environmental developments created new standardization requirements, ASTM answered the call with consensus standards that have made products and services safer, better and more cost-effective. The proud tradition and forward vision that started in 1898 is still the hallmark of ASTM International.”
September 1, 2008
August 31, 2008
We had to put Otis to sleep. It put to question my beliefs in the treatment of all beings and the afterlife. He was the best dog I'd ever known, and certainly qualified as one of my best friends. What did I learn? Let your excitement show every time you greet your friends, always take time to exercise everyday, take your vitamins, bark when strangers come knocking at the door, be kind to all children and animals, snuggle & snarf, naps are good, don't flinch at the aggressive dogs, draw the line, just make sure your quicker, pay attention when women are talking, singing or playing an instrument, and always save room for and follow up a meal with a treat.I also realized a fault of my own and a valuable lesson about people through watching Otis communicate. Too many words can cause people to stop listening. Few words, concise statements or often times no words and people will figure it out on there own. There is less value in being a "know it all" and more in letting or helping people figure it out on their own. Otis would stare at you until you figured out what he wanted. Granted it was usually 1 of his 6 usual needs, it always made me feel smart and in tune with him when I figured it out without a hint or clue. Separating yourself from the communication to get or give the information can sometimes be difficult.
Thank you Otis.
August 30, 2008
OIA - Eco Working Group
It was a good meeting at the Summer OR show in Salt Lake City for the Eco working group, they gave a comprehensive presentation from a quality representation of outdoor companies and retailers.
http://oia-eco.org/ Password needed (visitor, visitor).
They spoke of their three pronged process approach; Metrics, Action & Buzz (you can't have any without the other or you have just a science project, misdirected zeal or green washing.
http://www.zerowaste.org/
They started by creating a framework to define the metrics and Eco buckets of concern and focus. The areas of focus will be design, materials, toxic, waste, packaging.
http://www.sustainablepackaging.org/
Sleeves vs Clips
Southern Praying Mantis
- Strong base (horse stance, right lead).
- Coiling the spring for the recoil.
- Basket the body, relax the chest, connect the legs.
- Top, bottom, left, right, push, pull at the same time.
- Leverage entire body for power & speed.
- Short range contact, shots, & controlling movements
I will keep practicing, this is only the beginning, thank you Sifu.
August 7, 2008
Wing and a Tent
August 5, 2008
Shelter from the Storm
I Like Snews
SNEWS is the outdoor industry source for the latest info. This is the first time I have seen this new format, and the first time it was delivered to my desk. Use to be Gear Trends. In this issue, I enjoyed every article. Here are my favorite;
True Value – Packs, Tents, and Sleeping Bags – what the customer gets for the money, not just cheaper – Solving price and performance problems through design – Matter of how brand and market philosophies can be solved through design – Osprey Exos – “going light with a pack that has no suspension burns more energy than is gained by saving ounces” [maybe if your caring over 12.5% of your body weight?]
Get the Word Out – Is your marketing message making an impact?
Is it Interesting? – absolutely compelling
Is it the right message, audience and timing? – creating energy, thought & emotion
Is it Visual? – stories through use of your hands, iconography, great video and photos
Does it contain a compelling story? – great beginning, an arc, and great ending (for a short attention span)
Is it emotional? – to touch and inspire
Is it simple? – Boil it down, metaphor, simple, compelling, impact, sharpened
Does it come from the heart? – real and truthful, humility, and never arrogance
Did you rehearse it again and again? – know the difficult questions
Does it all add up? – Product and package is product – “Blink”
Are you relaxed? – Confidence
July 20, 2008
Home
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teepee
http://www.paabo.ca/uirala/Farfarers.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nomad
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohemianism
Clean Control
Riding the $#!+ Train
The honey bucket was hauled to the lunch counter on Mt. Adam on a sled with the rest of the group gear. And the Walrus sun shade was used for privacy. When the trip was over and it was time to descend Ryan and I rode the sled and the contents of the bucket roughly 2,000 ft. I couldn't stop laughing. No more guiding for me. Good example of taking a crappy situation and making fun.
http://www.lnt.org/ Leave no Trace
http://www.chopstork.com/blog/2006/08/27/my-first-backpacking-trip/
July 19, 2008
The Bad in Technical Materials
The basic issue is knowing the content of the material itself in regards to harmful chemicals and what possible effects these chemicals have on humans and the planet. What’s harder to know and find out, is the environmental harm being done in the process of making the materials as well as what is done with the waist created by producing it, where it goes, and the consumption of water in the process. What are some solutions? Start with identifying what is obviously bad for the environment and what should be eliminated. Then push for solutions that are less harmful. For example, if DWR's are bad for us, consider potential mechanical process or modifications to fabrics to provide a better solution for waterproof breathable materials. Don't believe for a minute that because everyone else is doing it or that if no one else has done it that it can't be done. This is an excuse that is heard way too often, especially from those who just don't know or haven't ever experienced innovation though need or exploration. Most technologies are already available; they just haven't been put together or haven't been simply asked to be put together. Here are some of the top concerns with current materials being used.PVC is bad for you!!!! http://www.chej.org/BESAFE/pvc/ PFOA (DWR) could be bad, its in your blood????http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/pfoa/pubs/pfoainfo.htm#concerns Fluorocarbon Chemicals?? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluorocarbon We can all dig deeper, and an independent company digging deeper is Blue Sign. http://www.bluesign.com/index.php?id=129&L=0 Talk more blogs. http://www.thecleanestline.com/innovative_design/index.html
Here is one designers resolve; http://www.goodmagazine.com/section/Portraits/designs_on_the_future
"Roll Camera, Action!"
Who are you?
Cultural Safety
Culture shock is alive and doing well, in our ever growing global population. I have experienced it, studied it, and found humor in it. But I constantly need to remind myself to respect other cultures, even when it is in our own country, state, town, office. In fact each one of us has our own belief system, and without respect or an ability to let go of our expectations, shock can happen. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_shock What is Cultural safety? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_safetyBox of Cubicals
Sleeping Bags
We have many reference standards on how to measure sleeping bags for specifications. http://www.outdoorindustry.org/research.industry.php?action=detail&research_id=35
We also have a customer information brochure that needs to be updated, please comment.
http://www.outdoorindustry.org/pdf/ASTMSleepingBagTrifold.pdf
What are the finer details of how to accurately specify a sleeping bag and accurately report the temperature rating? Its all here in the standards.
Condensation
Whats worse, having a tent that leaks or getting wet from condensation? Well I'd rather not have either. Most customers don't know the difference. How is it wet under my tent fly or under the tarp? Moisture in the air is the number one culprit along with the temperature difference between the two sides of the material. The dew point http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dew_point or morning mist can cause the largest moisture build up on the underside of a waterproof fabric. The other is from the ground. Your uncovered vestibule is a great place to consider extending your foot print to stop ground moisture from causing condensation in your tent. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CondensationJune 29, 2008
Wind Tunnel
MSR Wind 2 tent held to approximately 106 MPH. The question remains in my mind the accuracy of the recorded wind speed. I could use a simple explanation of the fluidity equations of the wind tunnel especially when it has to do with testing large objects like tents. I've been told the area of the wind tunnel, minus the displaced volume of the tent equates differently then the wind speed and how it is recorded?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernoulli%27s_equation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subsonic_and_transonic_wind_tunnel
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/mass.html
What is the fastest tent in the wind tunnel? The North Face Spectrum 23 at just over 130 MPH.
http://www.thenorthface.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=10384&storeId=201&catalogId=10201&langId=-1&from=subCat&parent_category_rn=11750 The design and engineering came from Korea; http://www.mypole.com/ Quite an accomplishment.
House of Wisdom

Doors, doorways and entrances have always been of interest to me. They can be all telling about where you are going and what it might be like when you get there. I once lived near a large grocery store, that continued to change ownership. It had two entrances and one of them was backwards. Enter left, exit left. I watched people embarrass themselves with the automatic doors that would swing open. I myself even had a near miss. Small details can tell people allot about your business and effect their judgement about your services.
I took this picture at the Jokhang temple in Tibet, now off limits. When the temple was built it was called Tsulag Khang the House of Wisdom, but then it was later changed to Jokhang, House of the Lord. I prefer Wisdom.
What is Buddism? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist
Where did it start?http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist_temples_in_Japan
Where was the first temple in Tibet?http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jokhang
"Save Tibet" What is going on today?http://www.savetibet.org/news/newsitem.php?id=1255
Zen Bivy
June 24, 2008
Weight & Torso Length
http://www.mchalepacks.com/packs/detail/measure.htm Torso length or back length, measured from the 7th cervical (bump on back of neck) to the Pelvis. The point at which you measure the the pelvis is important. The iliac crest can vary 2" depending on where you measure it, and certainly how you wear your pack can effect your fit. Measure to the floor on from both points and subtract the two for best accuracy.
http://mysteryranch.com/packs/sizing.php Yoke and Waist belt sizes. All Packs come with adjustable yoke instead of back length.
http://www.cilogear.com/fitandsizing.html .....Small fits from 14.5 to 17.5 inches Medium fits from 17 to 19 inches Large fits from 19 to 22 inches .... Small / Medium fits from 14 to 17 inches Medium / Large fits from 17 to 21 inches
http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/backpacks+adjusting+fit.html Extra Small: Fits torsos up to 15-1/2", Small: Fits torsos 16" to 17-1/2", Medium/Regular: Fits torsos 18" to 19-1/2", Large/Tall: Fits torsos 20" and up
http://www.gregorypacks.com/us/index.php/Gregory/Pack-Fit/packfit.html http://www.gregorypacks.com/us/files/fit_guide.pdf X small 14" - 16", Small 16" - 18", Medium 18"- 20", Large 20" - 22"
http://www.ospreypacks.com/PackTech/SizingandFitting/ X small 16", Small is 16" - 18.5", Medium 18" - 20.5", Large 20" - 22.5", X large 22"
http://www.arcteryx.com/pack-fit-guide.aspx http://www.arcteryx.com/pdf/S08-Sizing-Charts_Packs.pdf Larger Volume Packs are 4 inches per size; Small 16" - 19", Medium 18" to 21" and Large 20" to 23"..... Smaller Volume Packs Regular 16" to 20", Tall 19" to 23"..... Women's Specific, Small is 14" to 17", Medium is 16" to 19" and Large is 18" to 21". Larger ranges per size are most likely due to adjustable harnesses & designs.
http://www.mec.ca/Main/content_text.jsp?rnav=info&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302881817&CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=10134198673221183&bmUID=1214824380415
Short (16" to 19") 41-49 cm, Standard (18" to 20") 46-53 cm, Long (20" to 23") 51-59 cm
http://www.thenorthface.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10051&storeId=201&productId=29011&langId=-1
Stake in the Ground
June 23, 2008
My First
The Night Shift
One night in China. http://www.camptec.com/eservice.htm
Fast & Light

June 8, 2008
Assortment
I stole this photo opportunity at a trade show in Germany because I loved the simplicity of the line presentation. 11 packs, covering different sizes and style and in the same color. The designer I work with would say, "way too linear". I would argue that this line makes a clear simple statement and cuts like a knife through the competition in regards to brand recognition and product focus. Although, as a potential customer I would love to walk this display and read about each product. Solomon http://www.salomonsports.com/us/#
June 7, 2008
Livability
June 3, 2008
10 Years American Boxer
June 2, 2008
Welcome to Planet Earth - March 16, 2008
January 14, 2008
Process of Learning
Bruce spent his early years studying all types of martial arts and eventually designed his own style, or training methods. Bruce speaks often about how he learned and got to the point at which he developed his own training methods. He saw cultivation of skills as a process starting with; instinct alone without knowing (1. ignorance). Then you would train and learn and develop the knowledge of fighting (2. cultivated ignorance). And later as maturity sets in we act on an unconscious level (3. artlessness). This was written in one of Bruce’s books “The Tao of Gung Fu”. My instructor of Wing Chung Kung Fu spoke of the 4 stages of learning: 1. unknown incompetence, 2. known incompetence, 3. unknown competence, 4. known competence. Sijo John Beall http://www.newkungfu.com/

