Terry Persun Editor-In-Chief

Not So Simple

In a recent television news discussion, one of the announcers mentioned how many toys being advertised this year were electronic, the idea being that electronics is the new element in everything we do -- even in children's toys. For some reason, these types of profound announcements always sound a little odd and perhaps misinformed to me. I've seldom heard ­ never actually -- anyone speak of the mechanical nature of toys. And, of course, the more accurate language would be that the majority of toys are electromechanical in nature, since the electronic element is typically only a bells-and-whistles addition to standard toys. (Have you seen the yo-yo that talks?)

I have to wonder what has happened in our thought process that we tend to see only what we wish to see. "Electronics," rather than "electromechanical," might appear to be a slight difference to most people, but it does indicate a willingness to see things simply. The mechanical advances in some toys could actually be more interesting if we only looked into it a little.

Although simpler in description, we wouldn't suggest that a pile of wood chunks adequately expresses the idea of a set of Lincoln Logs. Along these same lines a motor to one engineer might be a servo- or stepper-motor to another. What is our gain in reducing everything down to a simple, nondescript minimum?

Regardless of how appealing the reduction to the least common denominator, there are always specifics that make the difference from one item or thought to another. I'm all for simplicity, but only when we need the simple, otherwise, let's be more specific. Let's not bring everything down to a single set of numbers, a single format, a single idea.

At the end of the year 2000, I'd like us all to remember how a simple number affected a lot of people and companies near the end of 1999. If we thought as much about every year perhaps we would be more conscientious in general. This coming year, 2001, I promise to be more conscious of what I'm doing and saying, more conscious of what I'm thinking. My aim in doing this would be that I don't simplify where it is not appropriate. Rather, I'll ask more questions and try to learn more about the things I encounter.

I don't mean to make this sound like a list of New Year's resolutions. But let us, at the end of this year, look back and consider where we chose to simplify instead of define. Let us, then, look to the future with a clearer perspective. This holiday season, as you are showing your love for one another, be specific in how you express yourself. As loyal readers of Designfax, we'd like to know you better so we can serve your specific needs better. Thank you for communicating with us this past year, and let's continue our dialog during 2001.

tpersun@designfax.net