Storypanda

I started reading up on “design think” about a year ago when I picked up Glimmer off the bookself of a Chapters. Because I’m interested in multiple things the concept of having designers tackling problems of various industries really appealed to me. I think the notion of being an engineer in the automotive industry is passe. Why would a smart person want to limit themselves just to that? As Trung Le points out in his article, “Teaching Kids Design Think So They Can Solve The World’s Biggest Problems”,

Future generations will be called to solve some of the most challenging problems ever created and faced by man. Our children must master systems-thinking to envision multiple methods for addressing complex challenges like renewable energy, world hunger, climate change, and ultimately, the design of a better world. They must also possess the compassion to recognize the rising human population and create a world that is inclusive, rather than exclusive. 

In the article he describes a design camp they did for young students and the results they found. It’s really interesting and will make you think of what direction you’d like your kids to go. Personally, I think design plus entreprenurism is the way of the future. With design think you combine creativity, engineering, economics and more. I don’t think there is any other applicable skill than that. 

A great celebration of all the characters that we know from Disney.

If your kids are 3 to 5, they will have fun with this app. The concept is pretty straight forward, just match the animals. But it moves quickly, and both my toddler and I do it together, each taking a turn making the matches. The graphics aren’t anything special, but it’s the usability and funny sounds that makes it enjoyable. I would get the $0.99 Deluxe version because it has a “fun” button which unlocks special effects every time two matches are made.

A great Ted Talk on some of our favorite passions, kids and entrepreneurship. Really important points on raising passionate free thinkers, instead of docile workers.

Love that Walt Disney was a technology nerd like us.

We’re pretty stoked this week as we found out that we have moved on in the New Ventures BC Competition. This competition began with over 150 companies, and Storypanda has made it to the top 40. Our next step is to do a “pitch” and, if selected, we’ll go on to the top 25. We’re going to have to bring in our Don Draper game faces. 

Compared to some of the entrants, we’re very new since we just started in March. We’re really glad that the judges of NVBC saw the potential in Storypanda and advanced us. We just have to keep on pushing it.

I recommend the NVBC competition for anyone who has a company less than three years old. You really have nothing to lose. The cost is minimal ($200) and even if you don’t win the big $150,000 prize (which is hard), you will receive a huge education through the process. Every week there is a seminar on a different topic that applies to start-ups and founders. From Intellectual Property to Media Training to Raising Capital, they cover it all. I have a background in all this stuff and I still found it very informative. Each week, James and I had takeaway points to go back and ponder. Entrepreneurs, these are things that you are thinking about anyways; NVBC gives you more focus and direction.

Thanks to Angie and company for providing a great program.