I Accidentally Built the Greatest User Interface
There I was standing in a big empty room, I didn’t have a job, and I didn’t want one. I had recently moved to a new city, and into a new apartment. All I really wanted to do was learn something new. I wanted to make something real that people could touch. As I began my exploration, a very important client interrupted me.
She called me in to discuss a new project. She was looking to build a physical product that could be enjoyed everyday, something beautiful, accessible, and versatile. The product needed to support multiple users and purposes. It would increase the users productivity, enable social networking, and potentially serve as a game platform. It was also very important that the interface be pluggable. New and existing products should easily, seamlessly, and naturally plug-in to the interface.
This was a tall order, and I’m a stickler for keeping things simple. If she wasn’t a VIP, I would have thanked her for the opportunity and walked away. I explained the complexity of the project, revealed my limited experience working with physical products, and made it clear that I would have to venture out of my comfort zone. She understood, and expressed her utmost confidence in me.
To sweeten the deal, she offered to cover all costs and grant me 50% ownership of the product. The project and timing aligned so perfectly with my goals that I couldn’t refuse.
It took three painful months full of blood, sweat, tears, dirt, dust, and arguments; but I did it. I met every single product requirement, and reached my personal goal of creating something real and tangible. I’m incredibly proud to say that my girlfriend and I are co-founders of The Dining Room Table, the greatest user interface I’ve ever experienced.
