How can I design something popular?
How can I design something popular? I absolutely love this TED talk by Derek Thompson about the secret of how to sell anything. Derek discusses a concept called MAYA, which explains why certain things become popular.
MAYA stands for most advanced yet acceptable, and it explains why we crave novelty, but also familiarity. We are torn between neophilia and neophobia. To make successful products or ideas, we need to find things that sit right at the intersection of the familiar surprise.
Time and time again this theory has explained successes in technology, academia, culture, politics, and even children’s names!
Project 365
I set up this website after deciding that I want to build a more creative life for myself, so I can give up my job and be in control of my own destiny.
I have set myself a goal of publishing an article on my website every day this year, to document my journey from employment to self-employment.
The name I chose was Project 365 because I see this as a year that I have dedicated to learning and self-development, as I countdown to freedom. It started on 1st January 2021, so I have 192 days to go!
I have decided to set up a blog, and to document my adventures in life through it.