you’ve gotta know when to hold ‘em…
I *knew* it was just a matter of time before I was able to use Kenny Rogers on my blog.
And it’s all thanks to Joshua Porter who has written a great post comparing design with playing cards.
Each design is a new hand of cards. Not only are the cards we’re holding different every time, but so are the hands of the other players. Our hand is our own knowledge of the design project, and the hands of the others are the constraints that we must deal with.
Josh uses the card game metaphor to demonstrate how every design situation must be considered afresh and all the constraints, requirements and opportunities be evaluated anew each time. That old ‘tricks’ don’t necessarily apply in a new situtation. Or, to borrow his great closing line ‘three fives beat two aces every time.’
I’ll definitely be borrowing this analogy in the future. Go read it now, you’ll love it.
Technorati Tags: design, kenny+rogers
8 Comments
leisa.reichelt on March 20th, 2006
are you talking about my singing voice James? I hope not! 
thank you! I really appreciate that feedback.
genevieve tucker on March 22nd, 2006
That is such a great song. I don’t think I’ve seen the cover before though. Thanks for that.
leisa.reichelt on March 22nd, 2006
kenny rogers is the cover?!
not in my book, but I’m always open to being wrong
James - sorry - work is slaying me at the moment.
I have a backlog of stuff to write… just trying to find the time
bless.
leisa.reichelt on March 22nd, 2006
oh wait… you mean the album cover…
eh. ambiguity.
Joshua Porter on March 22nd, 2006
Love the reference to the Gambler, Leisa! That rocks.
genevieve tucker on March 23rd, 2006
Sorry, Leisa - us olds still think of album covers as simply that!! (Attribution was not a regular practice ‘way back when either’ - although Led Zep got given a hard time about a few of theirs as they were fairly derivative of some well known blues tunes. )
It’s so nice to see the artwork for a change!! I often quote that song to myself when dealing with difficult people. I especially like ‘You never count your money when you’re sitting at the table…’ Great stuff.
James Mc Parlane on March 20th, 2006
When I read your blog I hear your voice as I read.
You are one of the few bloggers that I read and know their voice so well that I can synthesise it in my head.
It is both comforting and unnerving.