Chris Overcash

Chris Overcash http://chrisovercash.com The official web thingy of the real Chris Overcash posterous.com Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:28:00 -0700 Dear Apple: A new way to do "new" http://chrisovercash.com/dear-apple-a-new-way-to-do-new http://chrisovercash.com/dear-apple-a-new-way-to-do-new

Scott Sanchez is encouraging me to express my UX mojo in public, so rather than sending him my ideas on google chat I'm going to blog about them. Today it's about the "new" action that's in nearly every single iOS app.

It's different in every single iOS app. In twitter, click the little pencil box icon at the top right. In mail, it's at the bottom right. In Facebook it's the 'status' button at the top middle. There's no consistency to user experience, and that annoys me.

My solution is that Apple should create a "swipe up" gesture the same way "swipe down" in iOS5 is for notifications, swipe up will become the action in any participating app to create "new". New tweet, new email, new facebook status message, new SMS, etc.

App developers of course can do this today without waiting for Apple, but maybe the boys in Cupertino will read this and do the right thing for iOS6. :)

Try the "swipe up" next time you want to do something "new" in one of your apps, you'll like it, and that's what UX is all about.

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I'm the Don Draper of user experience. Other people build it, I dream it. Hire me. :)

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1126657/IMG_0189.jpg http://posterous.com/users/eHukpp64SJ Chris Overcash covercash Chris Overcash Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:48:00 -0700 How do you get a hold of Siri, your personal assistant? http://chrisovercash.com/how-do-you-get-ahold-of-siri-your-personal-as http://chrisovercash.com/how-do-you-get-ahold-of-siri-your-personal-as

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MacRumors had an interesting article earlier today about iOS 5's new "Raise to Speak" setting which launches the Siri personal assistant app when you hold the iPhone 4S up to your ear. The default way to launch Siri is with an extended press of the home button. Both feel like acceptable ways to interact with a first-gen voice interface.

Later in the day I put a call to my bank on speaker phone and noticed how I was holding my iPhone as I navigated their voice tree ("PUT ME THROUGH TO A GOD DAMN REP" isn't a valid option in case you were wondering). I was holding the phone upside down, talking directly into the mic just like I'm doing in the picture. Whenever I talk *AT* my phone, this is the most natural way for me to hold it. To prevent accidental activation when the phone is in a pocket or bag, require a quick tap of the volume button when the phone is turned upside down. Apple recently repurposed a volume button to act as shutter release in the camera app so using it for something other than volume control might not be out of the question.

I also thought about having the iPhone listen for a specific voice command when turned upside down, perhaps "Siri".

::flips phone:: "Siri, do you think Apple would have users say your name every time they want to interact with you?"

"Probably not." It has a very robotic, sci-fi feel to it, something you'd expect to see in a Droid Bionic commercial.

Apple is really good at training users slowly transitioning user behaviour so expect Siri to get a more natural feel over time.

::flips phone:: "Siri, is this an acceptable way to end the post?"

"Probably not."

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1126657/IMG_0189.jpg http://posterous.com/users/eHukpp64SJ Chris Overcash covercash Chris Overcash Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:44:01 -0700 My new tea mug... http://chrisovercash.com/my-new-tea-mug http://chrisovercash.com/my-new-tea-mug I picked it up at a rummage sale the local church was having. I almost didn't get it because it was priced at $0.25 which was about $0.25 more than I was willing to pay for it. Luckily they let me have it for free!

We're in Gateway country now, baby!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1126657/IMG_0189.jpg http://posterous.com/users/eHukpp64SJ Chris Overcash covercash Chris Overcash Mon, 12 Sep 2011 07:58:57 -0700 A few more Posterous Spaces pics http://chrisovercash.com/a-few-more-posterous-spaces-pics http://chrisovercash.com/a-few-more-posterous-spaces-pics

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Sent from Overcash's iPhone

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1126657/IMG_0189.jpg http://posterous.com/users/eHukpp64SJ Chris Overcash covercash Chris Overcash Mon, 12 Sep 2011 07:50:02 -0700 Posterous Spaces, eh? http://chrisovercash.com/posterous-spaces-eh http://chrisovercash.com/posterous-spaces-eh So it looks like Apple pushed the update to Posterous' app before they officially announced these new Spaces...

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Sent from Overcash's iPhone

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1126657/IMG_0189.jpg http://posterous.com/users/eHukpp64SJ Chris Overcash covercash Chris Overcash Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:42:00 -0700 lookwhaticaughtonfire! http://chrisovercash.com/lookwhaticaughtonfire http://chrisovercash.com/lookwhaticaughtonfire

My buddy came over and brought his blue laser and some liquid nitrogen. We had science night and it was awesome. This is the blue laser video, I also have a video of us making homemade Dip'n'Dots and shattering a frozen apple against a wall...

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1126657/IMG_0189.jpg http://posterous.com/users/eHukpp64SJ Chris Overcash covercash Chris Overcash Sun, 22 May 2011 18:09:47 -0700 Delicious Test http://chrisovercash.com/delicious-test http://chrisovercash.com/delicious-test

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This is just a test of some delicious food. I want to show my sister what galleries look like on posterous...

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1126657/IMG_0189.jpg http://posterous.com/users/eHukpp64SJ Chris Overcash covercash Chris Overcash Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:13:35 -0700 It's a silent film, ya see... http://chrisovercash.com/its-a-silent-film-ya-see http://chrisovercash.com/its-a-silent-film-ya-see

Good one, Jacky.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1126657/IMG_0189.jpg http://posterous.com/users/eHukpp64SJ Chris Overcash covercash Chris Overcash Fri, 22 Apr 2011 23:47:00 -0700 Missed My IAmA Question for Astronaut Chris Hadfield http://chrisovercash.com/missed-my-iama-question-for-astronaut-chris-h http://chrisovercash.com/missed-my-iama-question-for-astronaut-chris-h

About 2 weeks ago, reddit had an IAmA with astronaut Chris Hadfield. For those of you not familiar with reddit and their IAmA/AMA (I Am A/Ask Me Anything) sections, it's basically a forum that allows the community to ask questions to famous and interesting people. Unfortunately, by the time I saw this particular IAmA, it appeared astronaut Chris Hadfield had already stopped answering questions. Immediately after reading his thread, I watched the IMAX: Hubble movie (which is amazing... even better when you see it in IMAX) and I came up with a fantastic question to ask Commander Hadfield. So I hopped on reddit and sent his son my question, hoping I'd get a reply. Unfortunately, I haven't heard back yet so I'm hoping the members of reddit think the question is interesting enough to push for an answer, so here goes...

God forbid something goes wrong during a spacewalk and an astronaut untethers and starts floating away, does NASA have an emergency rescue plan? I can't imagine they don't have some guidelines in place for extreme scenarios like this. If they do, can you share any of it with us? Thanks!

So there you have it, my question to Commander Chris Hadfield.

[UPDATE] Awesome, Commander Hadfield replied to my question on Twitter!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1126657/IMG_0189.jpg http://posterous.com/users/eHukpp64SJ Chris Overcash covercash Chris Overcash Wed, 13 Apr 2011 20:12:36 -0700 Really enjoying my new iPhone background http://chrisovercash.com/really-enjoying-my-new-iphone-background http://chrisovercash.com/really-enjoying-my-new-iphone-background

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It's like a massage for my eyeballs. I just want to stare at my home screen all day.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1126657/IMG_0189.jpg http://posterous.com/users/eHukpp64SJ Chris Overcash covercash Chris Overcash Tue, 12 Apr 2011 20:35:23 -0700 C25K: Week3 Day1 - Peanut Brittle Calluses http://chrisovercash.com/c25k-week3-day1-peanut-brittle-calluses http://chrisovercash.com/c25k-week3-day1-peanut-brittle-calluses So I started this couch to 5k thing a little over 2 weeks ago. I decided to do it barefoot because it's supposedly better for you (check out this link) but holy Jesus are my feet hurting. Blisters are a motherfucker. I've always had pretty intense calluses on my big toes but apparently running barefoot is no match for them. I somehow managed to get blisters underneath the calluses which caused them to dry out and chip away like peanut brittle. It forced me to take an extended 2 day break in my run schedule due to all of the newly exposed tender skin on my feet.

Today was my first day running after the tender skin break and I'm not gonna lie, I was a little worried that my feet were going to get raw and bleed all over the place during my run today. Thankfully, my body defied all odds and I'm happy to report that today was my first day running that didn't result in ANY blisters!!! My sore calves are another story...

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1126657/IMG_0189.jpg http://posterous.com/users/eHukpp64SJ Chris Overcash covercash Chris Overcash Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:38:00 -0700 My sister takes photos... http://chrisovercash.com/my-sister-takes-photos http://chrisovercash.com/my-sister-takes-photos

My sister Dana Overcash travels to different places and brings her crappy point & shoot along for the journies. These are some of my favorite photos that she's taken...

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See the full gallery on Posterous

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1126657/IMG_0189.jpg http://posterous.com/users/eHukpp64SJ Chris Overcash covercash Chris Overcash Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:18:00 -0700 Rainy Day Philly Municipal Car Wash http://chrisovercash.com/rainy-day-philly-municipal-car-wash http://chrisovercash.com/rainy-day-philly-municipal-car-wash

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1126657/IMG_0189.jpg http://posterous.com/users/eHukpp64SJ Chris Overcash covercash Chris Overcash Tue, 05 Apr 2011 22:47:34 -0700 Moleskine theme http://chrisovercash.com/moleskine-theme http://chrisovercash.com/moleskine-theme The theme of this site is a work in progress... any feedback is appreciated. I'll tinker with it here and there, but don't expect it to be finished any time soon. You've been warned.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1126657/IMG_0189.jpg http://posterous.com/users/eHukpp64SJ Chris Overcash covercash Chris Overcash Tue, 05 Apr 2011 22:17:00 -0700 Gold Digging Phillies Fan http://chrisovercash.com/phillies-gold-digger http://chrisovercash.com/phillies-gold-digger

I was going through my iPhone's Camera Roll and I found this gem from last years MLB Playoffs. Nobody believed me when I told them what I saw so we had to rewind it and play it back for a group of people. Listen for the appropriate group reaction...

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1126657/IMG_0189.jpg http://posterous.com/users/eHukpp64SJ Chris Overcash covercash Chris Overcash Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:46:17 -0700 Terry's New Puppy Part 2 http://chrisovercash.com/terrys-new-puppy-part-2 http://chrisovercash.com/terrys-new-puppy-part-2

IMG_0035.MOV Watch on Posterous

Sent from Overcash's iPhone

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1126657/IMG_0189.jpg http://posterous.com/users/eHukpp64SJ Chris Overcash covercash Chris Overcash Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:35:06 -0700 Terry's New Puppy Part 1 http://chrisovercash.com/terrys-new-puppy-part-1 http://chrisovercash.com/terrys-new-puppy-part-1

IMG_0031.MOV Watch on Posterous

Sent from Overcash's iPhone

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1126657/IMG_0189.jpg http://posterous.com/users/eHukpp64SJ Chris Overcash covercash Chris Overcash Wed, 17 Jun 2009 22:50:00 -0700 My ol' TED Talk list... http://chrisovercash.com/my-ol-ted-talk-list-4 http://chrisovercash.com/my-ol-ted-talk-list-4

This is a list of some of my favorite TED Talks along with brief descriptions that may or may not make sense to people who are not me...

-Find out what this TED thing is all about in this video. And don't forget, the one thing everyone wants is a penis...

-This is my all time favorite TED talk. Very Intense.

-This is another one of my favorites. It reminds me that maybe I'm not always seeing all of the possibilities from where I'm sitting.

-This one is short but really inspiring.

-Living a purposeful life. Interesting.

-Very "Landmark" in his message. I also like the way he presents himself and interacts with the audience... a very comfortable presentation style.

-As simple as Thank You.

-Be compassionate. Really.

-Involve the audience... give them a role. This one is brilliant and makes me think about the future of communication and technology.

-Practical Wisdom... everyone should see this.

-It's all about the experience...

-Another reason to change the thought process behind education...

-How much will you enjoy eating potato chips 1 minute from now?

-A good followup to the one above. Talks about how price impacts happiness.

-This is how I will one day run a company. It's brilliant.

-Very cool talk about natural healing... the human body is kinda neat.

-Some nifty projects here (this is a short one).

-Teachers, Technology, Education. Hmmm.... Teaching Tech maybe?

-Intriguing new ways to think about technology and education.

-Inspiring designs.

-There is no way for us to be human without other people.

-Really good information about marketing.

-All men are created equal... perhaps not.

-Chocolate or Vanilla?

-Things change... eh, fuck it.

-One of the most brilliant minds of our time. Dean is amazing.

-Can't go wrong with Jeff Bezos, the brains behind amazon.com

-He does a fantastic job enrolling the audience in his idea. Plus you can't go wrong with a pirate store... yarrrrr.

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Here is a list of TED talks I haven't had a chance to watch yet... as I get to them, I'll add them to the above list.

-Howard Rheingold

-Ross Lovegrove

-Richard Baraniuk

-William McDonough

-Neil Gershenfeld

-Charles Leadbeater

-Stefan Sagmeister

-Evelyn Glennie

-Chris Anderson

-Martin Seligman

-Susan Blackmore

-Philippe Starck

-Zeresenay Alemseged

-Jonathan Harris

-Larry Brilliant

-Vilayanur Ramachandran

-Matthieu Ricard

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1126657/IMG_0189.jpg http://posterous.com/users/eHukpp64SJ Chris Overcash covercash Chris Overcash