Experiment HN: Idea day

#1

Post by kyro » Thu, Nov 12, 2009, 3:31 AM UTC

The world is full of problems that need solving. They're all around us. I'd say we run into at least 5 frustrations every day, whether those are frustrations we experience first hand or ones we overhear others complaining about, but we probably don't think much of them. So let's train our eyes/ears to recognize them!

So how about for the next day, November 12th, we try and pick up on 3 potential problems/complaints/frustrations we see ourselves and/or others facing. At 8PM Pacific time, I'll post another thread where we can all share our findings and possible solutions.

I figured it'd be a good way to get into the habit of recognizing problems, because really, no problem is too small.

What do you think?

EDIT: Some are saying that there are problems that just can't be solved ( a terribly attitude! ) like traffic lights, etc. Maybe then keep your problems to ones that can be solved within reason, like with a capable team.

Re: Experiment HN: Idea day

#2

Post by Zarathu » Thu, Nov 12, 2009, 3:37 AM UTC

Good idea.

Re: Experiment HN: Idea day

#3

Post by bioweek » Thu, Nov 12, 2009, 3:48 AM UTC

Good thinking, I'll try to do it.

Re: Experiment HN: Idea day

#4

Post by awt » Thu, Nov 12, 2009, 4:24 AM UTC

One thing I've been doing is keeping an annoyance diary. Haven't come up with any great ideas yet though.

Re: Experiment HN: Idea day

#5

Post by bemmu » Thu, Nov 12, 2009, 4:27 AM UTC

Another thing I've been thinking about is how can we learn more about problems in other domains. For this idea day, my frustrations would probably be dev-related, but what about the problems people have in professions other than coding?

Re: Experiment HN: Idea day

#6

Post by kyro » Thu, Nov 12, 2009, 4:29 AM UTC

bemmu wrote: post #5

Another thing I've been thinking about is how can we learn more about problems in other domains. For this idea day, my frustrations would probably be dev-related, but what about the problems people have in professions other than coding?

That's actually what I meant. It's not supposed to be developer specific. I was thinking about problems you may experience as you get ready to head to work, hear others complain about on the train ride over, or from those eating in the booth next to you at lunch, etc etc etc.

Re: Experiment HN: Idea day

#7

Post by jodrellblank » Thu, Nov 12, 2009, 4:36 AM UTC

I think I spend all damn day whinging (mostly in my head) about problems that nobody else will fix for me. Anything and everything from the lack of software I want to the poor design of my headphones to the stupidity of traffic lights. 90% of everything is rubbish and nothing is perfect. Problems problems problems, they're endemic, and OK.

I think that if you cultivate this habit without also driving yourself to fix problems, it will just make you miserable and grouchy. Avoid if possible.

Re: Experiment HN: Idea day

#8

Post by raptrex » Thu, Nov 12, 2009, 4:36 AM UTC

this sounds like a potential startup, unless anyone knows of a site like this

Re: Experiment HN: Idea day

#9

Post by staticshock » Thu, Nov 12, 2009, 4:36 AM UTC

awt wrote: post #4

One thing I've been doing is keeping an annoyance diary. Haven't come up with any great ideas yet though.

Is it online?

Re: Experiment HN: Idea day

#10

Post by lliiffee » Thu, Nov 12, 2009, 4:45 AM UTC

Finding doctors is a huge problem. When you move to a new city, you are given a list of 2000 PCPs and told to pick one (after calling around to see if they are accepting new patients). When you need to see a specialist, you are given a referral. People in the health care industry know that many of the specialists are untalented losers who push patients in and out as quickly as possible, and would never let someone close to them see them. The general public has little idea.