Goal Oriented Design

Here's some recommended reading...Ben Hunt makes the case for something called "Goal Oriented Design." It's a clever twist on the famous Jesse James Garrett model that highlights the importance of understanding the difference between user needs and site objectives.

Users, publishers, and advertisers all have goals. Focusing on and balancing the goals of each group is a vital component of effective web design.

Listening

There's a great exchange between Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson in White Men Can't Jump regarding Harrelson's character's ability to "hear" Jimi Hendrix. Snipes' character argues that just because you're listening, doesn't mean you're hearing.

Along those same lines, the latest words of wisdom from Jesse James Garrett ring true in my experience as a consultant:

"Doing successful creative work is as much about being a good listener as it is about being a good thinker."

Sometimes the "big idea" that we all are looking for isn't really big at all. It's just a matter of seeing things clearly by listening and hearing.