Sparkzy.com

Things I’ve learned as a…

Test/Manufacturing Engineer:

• Have a general pool of knowledge to draw from. Know how to find information. Be a quick study.
• The people who build and assemble the product(s) are my most valuable resource. They know the practical reasons for why things are, or aren’t, working.
• Know when to ask for help. It’s great to be a hero, but beating my head against the wall wastes time. Some problems need resources focused on them, and that can’t happen until an issue is escalated.

EMR Configuration Engineer:

• Things are not so different between widgets and the medical world — from an EMR config point of view, that is. Workflow is workflow. Time saved is time and money saved. Clear, simple, straight-ahead solutions are often the best approach.
• Engineering rigor can be missing from proposed solutions. I can help people step back and look at the overall problem that needs to be solved.
• My most important customer is the clinician, because their customer is the patient.

Graphic Design student:

• If it’s supposed to be different, make it noticeably different. (i.e. contrast 10pt type against 14pt type, instead of 11 pt.)
• A design can break the rules, but first I have to know the rules, and why they are rules.
• Don’t go with your first idea.
• Don’t present a “crappy” throw-away choice when offering design choices. It might get selected.

Burning Man participant:

• I need to let get go of my desire to have all contingencies covered – it’s impossible. Instead, I do my homework, plan ahead, and then rely on community to help me with the unexpected. I also make that work by being part of the community and helping others.
• Amazing creativity is everywhere. Look for it. Be inspired.
• Everyone is creative in some way or another. BMan is the perfect “sandbox” for exploring that creativity. I can help encourage creativity when I interact with people.
• It’s a long drive between Seattle and BRC. I enjoy it more when I make the journey part of the adventure.
• People are fascinating. Burning Man participants are incredibly fascinating. I cheat myself out of having a great time when I follow the Midwestern ethic of not talking to strangers.