Personalization taken to the next level
Designers (like me!) are consistently focused on how do we make a generic flow customizable to each and every customer. With new advances in big data and AI, tech is focused on making sure that users feel cared for and are consistently engaged.
I’m inspired when I see someone perfectly execute in real life what I’m trying to do in tech. There’s a beautiful simplicity in seeing it live.
Barry White, Jr., a fifth grade English teacher at Ashley Park PreK-8 School in Charlotte, North Carolina, has an elaborate, personalized handshake with every one of his students. Every. Single. One.
You have to watch the video. I’ll wait. The full article with photos and video is here: https://gma.yahoo.com/teacher-personalized-handshakes-every-one-students-200526323--abc-news-topstories.html
Why do I love this so much? It’s simple, it’s natural, it’s pure.
It’s simple
The concept is so simple: Each student has a personalized handshake and he greets his students at the door with their “secret” handshake.
It’s natural
Each handshake is different. Barry uses custom moves inspired by the student’s personality. That way, he doesn’t struggle to memorize moves from student to student. It must take time to set up the handshake, but by giving the student that much attention upfront, Barry wins in the long run.
It’s pure
Students line up outside of his class. Students must greet him in the halls or at recess. And instead of the typical ways of greeting each other (A head nod, “Hi Barry,” “Hi Mr. White”), they have a secret handshake. Something unique to their relationship.
Imagine if your teacher was willing to spend time devising a secret handshake with you, was super attentive to every little detail of the handshake, made sure that you understood the significance of every move, and could repeat it at a moment’s notice.
You’d look forward to seeing your teacher every day. You’d look forward to learning from that teacher.
This is my hope for tech. Because moments like this make life worth living.
