If you’re interested in design, technology, and/or entrepreneurship, chances are you’ve listened to Steve Jobs’ Stanford Commencement speech. A famous moment in that speech, Steve Jobs talks about how auditing a calligraphy class at Reed College contributed to his success with Apple: “I decided to take a calligraphy class to learn how to [learn calligraphy]. […]
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Typography as Therapy
This year, I’ve decided to take a typography class, and learn more about the basics surrounding type, design, and the tools we use to make words more interesting. In this class, we gain access to a press machine called a Vandercook, which is a rolling press which prints our type onto paper. For those who […]
Applying the MDA Framework for Video Game Design to Productivity
To read first what video games can teach us about productivity, click here. What is the MDA Framework? The MDA framework was developed by Robin Hunicke, Marc LeBlanc, Robert Zubek, as a way to define a clear way we can approach engaging video game design. MDA stands for Mechanics, Dynamics, and Aesthetics. Each of these […]
Onsens as the perfect place to relax
One of my favorite Japan-exclusive activities is going to the onsen with friends. Onsens are public baths, a popular leisure activity in Japan, and are a place to socialize, relax, and get some peace and quiet away from the busy and work-centric stresses and pressures from society. Many of my western friends are initially off […]
Why You Should Be Journaling If You’re Unhappy
Introduction to Chronicle Journaling Our mind and thoughts, when uncontrolled, can become our greatest liability and damage our psyche in ways that will significantly hurt our daily life, which is why we must train our mind to overcome these unconstructive thoughts. What is chronicle journaling? Chronicle journaling is a practice I have adopted to help shape […]
“Hansei”: Why the Japanese Value Criticism and Why We Need To Be Unafraid Of it
It was my first year attending a Japanese school. “Alright everyone! Time to gather for our hansei-kai.” my teacher announced. “We’re going to do that now? Our event was successful — why?” I questioned out loud. In Japanese, there is a term hansei, which translates to “reflection” or “introspection”. But the direct translation doesn’t convey the connotary meaning of […]
A Guide To Overcoming Your Doubts And Anxieties By Writing To Yourself
What is future journaling? Future journaling is a type of reflective journaling that is used to ground ourselves in what we can do in the present, to assist ourselves in the future. The writing activity itself is used to control momentary anxiety, doubts, and fears about our present condition, and remind ourselves of our bigger […]
