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How to bring your

technology idea to life

Matt Smith, PhD

m.smithworx.com

@smithworx

2014

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How do you get

an idea out of your head?

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Now there are plenty of other

tools that you can use...

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idea

sketch

...

powerpoint / keynote / google presentation

photoshop / fireworks / illustrator / etc

pencil / lucidchart / bsalmiq / etc

invisionapp / etc

twitter bootstrap / etc

...

code

reality

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Use whatever tool helps you convey the idea the quickest

sometimes that means using whatever is handy.

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An idea stuck

in your head remains dead

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Get the idea out of your head

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Idea Dump

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Breakout - groups of 3 or 4

  • Personally think about ideas that you don't mind sharing (e.g., what is an idea that would make your classes even more collaborative?)

3 minutes

  • Share one idea with the group (The hope is that everyone shares at least one idea)

5 minutes

  • Pick ONE idea that your group found most interesting

3 minutes

  • Pick someone in the group to share it with everyone

1 minute / group

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Ideas

  • virtual wallet
  • family history notebook
  • scout tracking app
  • calorie counter
  • a kids maze app
  • ...

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How do you know if your idea is worth pursuing?

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Date: Nov 24 2003

Graph Engine: LGL

http://opte.org/maps/

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Motivating Milestones

  • Real and self-imposed deadlines

  • Involve people

  • Share your idea / accept invitations to present

These structure your progress and push you to refine your idea

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Can you get your idea

to resonate with others*?

* Ideally those that see your idea as a solution to a pain they experience and

will gladly pay you for it.

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The toughest feedback to hear,

is the feedback you need the most.

"Your most unhappy customers are

your greatest source of learning."

- Bill Gates

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Idea

Reality

work required

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Idea

Reality

work required

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idea

sketch

...

...

code

reality

the gap is shrinking,

let's talk about why...

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What would it take to build it alone or with a small team?

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"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world.

Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

- Margaret Mead

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news.ycombinator.com

It happens everyday...

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github.com

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Explore what is trending today...

github.com/explore

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Simplicity is the

ultimate sophistication

- Leonardo da Vinci

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Matt Smith

m.smithworx.com

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Q & A