Product Management: "Inspired" and "Empowered" - Are you?

"Inspired" and "Empowered" - Two excellent reads for all product people and executives of products businesses: 

• the importance of customer-centric product development
• the value of empowering cross-functional teams 
• the need for clear product vision and strategy
• and the role of experimentation in product innovation

Marty Cagan is a well-known author, speaker, and product management expert. He is the founder of the Silicon Valley Product Group, a consulting firm that helps technology companies create and deliver successful products. Cagan has more than 20 years of experience in the technology industry, and has worked with companies such as AOL, HP, Netscape, and eBay. Cagan is a frequent speaker at industry events and is considered a thought leader in the field of product management.

"Inspired: How to Create Products Customers Love" is a book written by Marty Cagan. The book is considered a go-to guide for product management, and is based on Cagan's extensive experience in the technology industry. It covers the entire product development process, from idea generation to product launch. Cagan explains how to develop a deep understanding of your customers, how to identify and solve their problems, how to create and implement a product vision, and how to measure and improve the performance of your products. He also provides real-world examples and case studies to illustrate his points. The book has been widely praised for its practical and actionable advice on product management.

"Empowered: How to Create a Culture of Product Ownership" is a book written by Marty Cagan. The book is focused on the role of product ownership in the technology industry and how it is becoming a critical factor for success. It covers the importance of product ownership, how to build a culture of product ownership, how to empower product owners, how to develop and manage product teams, how to measure and improve product performance, and how to deal with common challenges. The book provides real-world examples and case studies to illustrate the concepts and ideas presented. Cagan's goal is to help organizations create a culture of product ownership that allows them to create products that customers love.

These two books are considered foundational to product lifecycle management and on how to create and capture value with products.

"Inspired" and "Empowered" - are you?

Ergonomics of Airport Carpets

Since quite some years I used to capture a shot of those beautiful, exceptional, tasteful, sometimes disgusting carpets you can experience when arriving at a new airport destination.

I collected my carpet captures under #airportcarpet on Facebook. - Check it out at: https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/airportcarpet. And, as you can see, I am not the only one fascinated by airport carpets.

I was always surprised what was there to see. And weighing different pros and cons I was not always sure if a carpet is truly the best option for an airport terminal interior design.

But, what is the ergonomic point of view?

Ergonomics is the study of how people interact with their environment, including the design of products and systems to improve comfort and safety. In the context of airport carpets, ergonomics refers to the ways in which the carpet can be designed and maintained to reduce fatigue and strain on travelers' bodies.

One way that airport carpets can contribute to ergonomic comfort is by providing a soft, cushioned surface to walk on. Hard, smooth floors can be tiring and painful to walk on for long periods of time, especially for people with foot or back problems. A well-cushioned carpet can help to reduce the impact of each step and make walking more comfortable.

Another aspect of ergonomics in airport carpets is the design of the carpet itself. A good airport carpet should have a smooth, even surface with no sharp or raised edges that could trip or stumble travelers. The carpet should also be easy to navigate, with clear visual cues to help people find their way around the airport.

In addition to the design of the carpet, the maintenance of the carpet is also important for ergonomic comfort. A dirty or poorly maintained carpet can be slippery and difficult to walk on, leading to an increased risk of falls and injuries. To maintain the ergonomic comfort of airport carpets, it is important to regularly clean and vacuum them to remove dirt and debris, and to repair any tears or damage as soon as they are discovered.

Overall, the ergonomics of airport carpets are an important consideration in the design and maintenance of these spaces. By taking into account the needs and comfort of travelers, airports can create a more pleasant and enjoyable experience for all who use them.