#22 A tiny robot dancing to Beyoncé
Issue #22 A tiny robot dancing to Beyoncé
10th August 2022
Well, it finally happened.
COVID came a-calling.
I'm a little lacking in focus and energy at present so I'm afraid this week's newsletter is going to be distinctly short and sweet.
Normal service will resume next week.
Rule of three
[Dance] Text tones as dance moves
This definitely takes the prize for best thing I've seen on the internet this week. Two brilliant dancers choreographing moves to text alerts. My favourite is Minuet.
[Design] Japan
As soon as we landed in Japan, I was entranced. The first thing we saw after clearing customs was a tiny robot, dressed as a train driver, dancing to Beyoncé. Apparently, the train company had set it up just to welcome us. This Twitter thread collects more Japanese UX-based designs that make people's lives just a little bit more delightful.
[Article] How Netflix disrupted their own success
Netflix always drops an entire season's worth of episodes at once - disrupting the tried and tested methodology of most broadcasters. I really enjoyed this piece on why that might be a bad thing and found the concept of skeuomorphism as applied to cultural behaviours fascinating.
Spotlight
It's my absolute pleasure to offer another online course with Queen City Comedy. This time the class is called A Face for Radio! and will cover improvised radio plays and podcasts. I want to look at the format for audio-only storytelling but I'll also do a deep dive into how to set up your own podcast.
Longform thoughts
"It’s interesting, this obsession we have with broken people. Comedy is inextricably linked with negative emotions - with jealousy and sadness, petty arguments and anger."
My series on The seven habits of highly effective improvisers continues with Be generous.
Radio days
Radio is keeping me company in my sick bed.