Simplicity Rules

Online maps have given time estimates along with directions for a long while. Those times were always based on speed limits of the roadway and a whole lot of machine optimism.

Google Maps took a step toward a better time estimate last week when they added rush hour driving times to directions.

The Oakland to San Francisco example seems accurate: 19 minutes versus 1 hour with traffic.

The system doesn’t seem to be as in-tune with places outside the Bay Area. I have a friend who would love to have only five additional minutes to get between Sherwood and Portland. And it’s a long haul from Washington’s capital up to Seattle. Traffic adds more than a quarter hour.

My point isn’t to belittle the innovation. I think it’s a big step. Too long have we ignored the time portion of driving directions.

Really, how long a drive takes is usually more important than the number of miles. While Google’s latest addition is still too optimistic most places, it’s probably a sign of better data to come.

Via Krish

What if I told you there’s a company looking to help you sell your old technology. It’s called eBay, right?

Second Rotation has thrown themselves in as a middleman between your gadgets and the world’s largest marketplace.

When people consider spending money, they like to have the answer to the question how much will it cost? Similarly, I think the same holds true when they’re selling. Sure, we could post something up on eBay and maybe get a little more, but why not just go for the known deal?

Some might balk at trading their Video iPod for $111. The average price on eBay isn’t much better, and Second Rotation gives you a guarantee (assuming the quality matches your description). Plus, you don’t have to list it or wait seven days for the auction to end and hope there’s at least one bid.

Yes, it’s not for everyone, but I’m impressed with how Second Rotation saw a business opportunity in making something easier on the seller. They assume all the risk and uncertainty for the seller, while knowing they should be able to get their money back and then some.

In an interview with Jeff Veen, the user experience designer has a simple description of his method:

“I just want to make sure that I understand the kinds of things they’re trying to do, and that I can help them do that.”

From this, we can glean a two-question process for focusing on the user:

1. What is the user trying to do?
2. What can I do to help them do that?

Similar concepts in Simplicity Rules:

• The Experience is the Product
• The Rule of Least Surprise
• The Page Paradigm

I don’t want to be preachy, but here are two things you can do that take very little effort in comparison to how it will help others.

Donate blood

Your body regenerates blood. It’s one of the wonders of the body. You can give a pint every 56 days and most never feel any negative effects. Your blood is then available to people at moments when they really need it.

Find a blood donation center today.

Become an organ donor

Let me dispel the largest rumor about organ donation: they won’t take your body parts until you’re done with them. That means you’re dead.

It’s a morbid thing to think about, and I know many people feel uncomfortable with the idea of their lung or heart going inside another’s chest. I understand this, and if you can’t get over it, don’t sign up.

But I sure wish you would. Like you, I rather like all my organs where they are right now. And that’s the good news, you can keep your organs now, just make your donation wishes known.

Find out how to register in your state