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TIP OF THE WEEK: Help everyone help you by being honest about your comfort level with technology and jargon. It's okay to say, "I don't understand; please explain it ."

I received the nicest e-mail from a subscriber this past week, commenting on the interesting and varied subject matter. Since establishing "Plesset's Principles," I have maintained a binder for reference, with the subject matter on tabs, to verify that this newsletter explores as many topics as possible. My goal is to achieve the widest appeal, while focusing on matters that are (or will be) pertinent to you.

In the past several weeks, I have also received inquiries about teleseminars and podcasts. I am investigating the details, and intend to offer teleseminars and/or podcasts starting in January. You will receive more information about these in the coming weeks -- stay tuned, and think about who you'd like to invite!

Over three years ago, while co-hosting a local radio program, I predicted that L.E.D. lighting would eventually surpass compact fluorescent lamps. The August 17th issue of "Plesset's Principles" focused on the advantages of L.E.D. lighting. I am happy to report that more manufacturers have gotten on board, and the price of L.E.D.'s is steadily decreasing, while the technological advances are increasing. Very soon, my husband and I will be installing custom L.E.D. fixtures in a client's home, and I'll post before-after pictures on my website so you can see the remarkable difference that technology can make.

Closing this message with a favorite quote of Bill Gates (amended by my husband, Jay):

"If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25 cars that get 1000 mpg." (with a top speed faster than light)

With Inspired Ideas For Your Home,

Technology is a wonderful tool. Do you agree (or disagree) that it should be used to make our lives better? Maintaining the balance between humanity and technology is one of the largest challenges each of us face daily. These newsletters are the result of exploring and using technology to reach out and help people in the United States and other countries. It's amazing to think about solving people's problems from thousands of miles away. WOW!

I started offering "virtual" meetings to clients over two years ago. It's a wonderful tool that is convenient and easy, allowing them to see my computer screen and get information they need to make informed decisions about their project. The only disadvantage of virtual meetings is the inability to see facial expressions and "read" body English, which requires increased awareness of verbal communication nuances -- and asking lots of questions.

Last week. I suggested a virtual meeting with clients who live 50 miles south of my office. It was easier to find a time that was convenient for all of us, if we used available technology. The wife expressed concerns, because she wasn't sure that it would work, but I reassured her by sharing success stories I've had with other clients. I prepared for the meeting by completing two alternative plans, verifying that the floor plan, elevations, and perspectives reflected everything my clients wanted in their remodeled kitchen. Then I arranged the meeting and sent them an electronic invitation with easy instructions.

Promptly at 4:30, a message popped up on my screen, announcing that they had joined the meeting, followed immediately by a phone call from them. In 20 minutes, we reviewed the floor plans and elevations. I turned on the virtual camera and "walked" them around their new kitchen, asking for feedback about all of the details. At the end of the meeting, I asked how they felt about the experience. The wife replied instantaneously and enthusiastically, "It was great!" After closing the meeting, I converted the plans, elevations, and perspectives to pdf's which they could print out and review. ("A printer consists of three main parts: the case, the jammed paper tray and the blinking red light.")

Two days later, I received an e-mail, confirming that they really liked the second alternative. The next step for them will be to define where they'll store everything, writing on the floor plan and elevations. Every client who's followed this recommendation has achieved an easier transition to their new kitchen. In a couple of instances, clients have remembered a small appliance that they wanted to find room for in the kitchen (i.e., a bread maker, an ice cream maker, and a large stock pot, etc.).

Computer-aided drafting (CAD) is a wonderful technological tool, because it allows me to prepare alternative plans quickly. The number of alternatives is not important; designing what's right for my clients' unique lifestyle, preferences, and budget is the goal. Human factors are the most important ingredients in a successfully-executed plan, and a successful building or remodeling project. Patricia Fripp, world-reknowned speaker and author, sums it up beautifully: "Technology does not run an enterprise, relationships do."

(NOTE: Google search for technology quotes yielded 1,700,000 results; a similar search for humanity quotes yielded 894,000 results. Are we headed to larger emphasis on technology than humanity, or is there simply more expressed frustration with technology than humanity?)

--o0o--

PLESSET'S PRINCIPLES FOR TOMORROW'S DESIGNERS

USE TECHNOLOGY WISELY

If you are 35 or younger, you've been exposed to computer technology for your entire life, and using technological tools comes more naturally to you than preceding generations. You are more comfortable learning new programs and incorporating new technology in your personal and professional life. I'd like you to read and consider these words of caution:

Not everybody is as comfortable with computers as you are, which requires you to be more patient, compassionate, and understanding.

CAD is a tool that can save time and effort, but it does NOT replace creativity and good design.

Avoid "geek talk" (this is similar to using professional jargon, which assumes a knowledge of the subject that clients may not have); this can be embarrasing for clients, and create a communication chasm.

"When dealing with people, remember that you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion." Dale Carnegie

Many people are more comfortable looking at paper than a computer screen. Be sensitive to your clients' preference and do everything you can to make them comfortable by making printouts of plans, elevations, and perspectives available. By talking about their preferences, you are proving that you're genuinely interested in their needs and goals.

--o0o--

"Plesset's Principles for Today is Home" is YOUR personal information service, to help you make informed decisions about every aspect of your building or remodeling project. Send an e-mail today with your questions to: Q@dp-design.com

Diane established D. P. Design in April of 1984, to help homeowners, like you, achieve the best building and remodeling experience with her personalized consulting, design services, seminars, articles, and books. She is a homeowner advocate, an award-winning designer and author, and former co-host of a weekly radio program. "Plesset's Principles for Today's Home®" is another avenue for Diane to express her passion for helping people, using her God-given talents, education, and experience to provide "Inspired Ideas for Your Home®".

She is one of about 150 designers in the United States with multiple certifications as a Master Kitchen-Bath Designer, Interior Designer, and Aging-in-Place Specialist. Diane can help you achieve your building or remodeling goals, using state-of-the-art computer aided drafting software ("Archicad"). To request more information, visit Diane's website, or send an e-mail to Diane: Q@dp-design.com.

You are welcome to share this newsletter. We request that you copy and paste it in its entirety, including Diane's bio.

DIANE PLESSET,
CMKBD, NCIDQ #13029, C.A.P.S.
D. P. DESIGN
P.O. Box 1132
Oregon City, OR. 97045

IF YOU WISH TO STOP RECEIVING THESE E-MAILS, REPLY WITH "UNSUBSCRIBE" IN THE SUBJECT LINE

IN THIS ISSUE: It's Just A Tool (Not The Goal) Use Technology Wisely			Dear [dear] I received the nicest e-mail from a subscriber this past week, commenting on the interesting and varied subject matter. Since establishing "Plesset's Principles," I have maintained a binder for reference, with the subject matter on tabs, to verify that this newsletter explores as many topics as possible. My goal is to achieve the widest appeal, while focusing on matters that are (or will be) pertinent to you. In the past several weeks, I have also received inquiries about teleseminars and podcasts. I am investigating the details, and intend to offer teleseminars and/or podcasts starting in January. You will receive more information about these in the coming weeks -- stay tuned, and think about who you'd like to invite! Over three years ago, while co-hosting a local radio program, I predicted that L.E.D. lighting would eventually surpass compact fluorescent lamps. The August 17th issue of "Plesset's Principles" focused on the advantages of L.E.D. lighting. I am happy to report that more manufacturers have gotten on board, and the price of L.E.D.'s is steadily decreasing, while the technological advances are increasing. Very soon, my husband and I will be installing custom L.E.D. fixtures in a client's home, and I'll post before-after pictures on my website so you can see the remarkable difference that technology can make. Closing this message with a favorite quote of Bill Gates (amended by my husband, Jay): "If GM had kept up with technology like the computer industry has, we would all be driving $25 cars that get 1000 mpg." (with a top speed faster than light) With Inspired Ideas For Your Home,
QUICK LINKS:
dp-design.com
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Diane's FaceBook
Diane on Twitter
Diane on Linkedin
orders@dp-design.com
Send to a Friend
Q@dp-design.com

		Plesset's Principles for Today's Home® IT'S JUST A TOOL (NOT THE GOAL) Technology is a wonderful tool. Do you agree (or disagree) that it should be used to make our lives better? Maintaining the balance between humanity and technology is one of the largest challenges each of us face daily. These newsletters are the result of exploring and using technology to reach out and help people in the United States and other countries. It's amazing to think about solving people's problems from thousands of miles away. WOW! I started offering "virtual" meetings to clients over two years ago. It's a wonderful tool that is convenient and easy, allowing them to see my computer screen and get information they need to make informed decisions about their project. The only disadvantage of virtual meetings is the inability to see facial expressions and "read" body English, which requires increased awareness of verbal communication nuances -- and asking lots of questions. Last week. I suggested a virtual meeting with clients who live 50 miles south of my office. It was easier to find a time that was convenient for all of us, if we used available technology. The wife expressed concerns, because she wasn't sure that it would work, but I reassured her by sharing success stories I've had with other clients. I prepared for the meeting by completing two alternative plans, verifying that the floor plan, elevations, and perspectives reflected everything my clients wanted in their remodeled kitchen. Then I arranged the meeting and sent them an electronic invitation with easy instructions. Promptly at 4:30, a message popped up on my screen, announcing that they had joined the meeting, followed immediately by a phone call from them. In 20 minutes, we reviewed the floor plans and elevations. I turned on the virtual camera and "walked" them around their new kitchen, asking for feedback about all of the details. At the end of the meeting, I asked how they felt about the experience. The wife replied instantaneously and enthusiastically, "It was great!" After closing the meeting, I converted the plans, elevations, and perspectives to pdf's which they could print out and review. ("A printer consists of three main parts: the case, the jammed paper tray and the blinking red light.") Two days later, I received an e-mail, confirming that they really liked the second alternative. The next step for them will be to define where they'll store everything, writing on the floor plan and elevations. Every client who's followed this recommendation has achieved an easier transition to their new kitchen. In a couple of instances, clients have remembered a small appliance that they wanted to find room for in the kitchen (i.e., a bread maker, an ice cream maker, and a large stock pot, etc.). Computer-aided drafting (CAD) is a wonderful technological tool, because it allows me to prepare alternative plans quickly. The number of alternatives is not important; designing what's right for my clients' unique lifestyle, preferences, and budget is the goal. Human factors are the most important ingredients in a successfully-executed plan, and a successful building or remodeling project. Patricia Fripp, world-reknowned speaker and author, sums it up beautifully: "Technology does not run an enterprise, relationships do." (NOTE: Google search for technology quotes yielded 1,700,000 results; a similar search for humanity quotes yielded 894,000 results. Are we headed to larger emphasis on technology than humanity, or is there simply more expressed frustration with technology than humanity?) --o0o-- PLESSET'S PRINCIPLES FOR TOMORROW'S DESIGNERS USE TECHNOLOGY WISELY If you are 35 or younger, you've been exposed to computer technology for your entire life, and using technological tools comes more naturally to you than preceding generations. You are more comfortable learning new programs and incorporating new technology in your personal and professional life. I'd like you to read and consider these words of caution: Not everybody is as comfortable with computers as you are, which requires you to be more patient, compassionate, and understanding. CAD is a tool that can save time and effort, but it does NOT replace creativity and good design. Avoid "geek talk" (this is similar to using professional jargon, which assumes a knowledge of the subject that clients may not have); this can be embarrasing for clients, and create a communication chasm. "When dealing with people, remember that you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion." Dale Carnegie Many people are more comfortable looking at paper than a computer screen. Be sensitive to your clients' preference and do everything you can to make them comfortable by making printouts of plans, elevations, and perspectives available. By talking about their preferences, you are proving that you're genuinely interested in their needs and goals. --o0o-- "Plesset's Principles for Today is Home" is YOUR personal information service, to help you make informed decisions about every aspect of your building or remodeling project. Send an e-mail today with your questions to: Q@dp-design.com
		a
		ABOUT DIANE Diane established D. P. Design in April of 1984, to help homeowners, like you, achieve the best building and remodeling experience with her personalized consulting, design services, seminars, articles, and books. She is a homeowner advocate, an award-winning designer and author, and former co-host of a weekly radio program. "Plesset's Principles for Today's Home®" is another avenue for Diane to express her passion for helping people, using her God-given talents, education, and experience to provide "Inspired Ideas for Your Home®". She is one of about 150 designers in the United States with multiple certifications as a Master Kitchen-Bath Designer, Interior Designer, and Aging-in-Place Specialist. Diane can help you achieve your building or remodeling goals, using state-of-the-art computer aided drafting software ("Archicad"). To request more information, visit Diane's website, or send an e-mail to Diane: Q@dp-design.com. You are welcome to share this newsletter. We request that you copy and paste it in its entirety, including Diane's bio.
		a
		DIANE PLESSET, CMKBD, NCIDQ #13029, C.A.P.S. D. P. DESIGN P.O. Box 1132 Oregon City, OR. 97045 IF YOU WISH TO STOP RECEIVING THESE E-MAILS, REPLY WITH "UNSUBSCRIBE" IN THE SUBJECT LINE © 2009 D. P. Design - All Rights Reserved
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