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Improving the interface
One of my big revelations last year, design-wise, is that pretty things work better. Or we think they do, which is essentially the same thing so far as interface design is concerned.
This is an exciting discovery until you realise that it applies to human beings as well. I just read an article in Maclean's that cites a 2003 study by sociologist Andrew Harrell that showed attractive children were six times more likely to be buckled into shopping cart seats (for safety) than unattractive children. Six times. And this is by their own parents.
Kind of scary, isn't it?
Anyhow, I've been wondering about how I can improve my Perceived Smartness Level at work. It's actually quite good now, at least with my workmates and with long-term clients. But I want clients to know I'm smart when they meet me. I'm the web developer and programmer and all-round knower of knowledge at our company. It's important that they see me as competent.
Last year, we had a meeting with the IT guy from a client company, about their website. He came to the meeting in dress slacks and a tie. My immediate impression was: How can this guy know anything about technology? He's just a suit! When I mentioned this to the production manager later, I found out that her impression was just the opposite -- he looked so professional, she figured he was really knowledgeable.
How would you judge somebody in that situation? Does seeing geeky toys on an IT worker's desk make them seem credible or childish? (And if you say childish, do I have to get rid of my Darth Tater? I just picked him up today.) Does a slick look make a techie seem smarter? Or more like a poseur?
How do you expect a smart IT worker to look? I'm sure I already lose points because I'm female. I'm pretty butch right now. If I go to a more feminine look, would that make me seem a better or worse programmer? Can I keep my labret?
And could dressing better make me enough extra money to afford the necessary wardrobe?
It's all just interface design in the end. I just need to figure out what design would work best.
This is an exciting discovery until you realise that it applies to human beings as well. I just read an article in Maclean's that cites a 2003 study by sociologist Andrew Harrell that showed attractive children were six times more likely to be buckled into shopping cart seats (for safety) than unattractive children. Six times. And this is by their own parents.
Kind of scary, isn't it?
Anyhow, I've been wondering about how I can improve my Perceived Smartness Level at work. It's actually quite good now, at least with my workmates and with long-term clients. But I want clients to know I'm smart when they meet me. I'm the web developer and programmer and all-round knower of knowledge at our company. It's important that they see me as competent.
Last year, we had a meeting with the IT guy from a client company, about their website. He came to the meeting in dress slacks and a tie. My immediate impression was: How can this guy know anything about technology? He's just a suit! When I mentioned this to the production manager later, I found out that her impression was just the opposite -- he looked so professional, she figured he was really knowledgeable.
How would you judge somebody in that situation? Does seeing geeky toys on an IT worker's desk make them seem credible or childish? (And if you say childish, do I have to get rid of my Darth Tater? I just picked him up today.) Does a slick look make a techie seem smarter? Or more like a poseur?
How do you expect a smart IT worker to look? I'm sure I already lose points because I'm female. I'm pretty butch right now. If I go to a more feminine look, would that make me seem a better or worse programmer? Can I keep my labret?
And could dressing better make me enough extra money to afford the necessary wardrobe?
It's all just interface design in the end. I just need to figure out what design would work best.
no subject
From my outside, far away perspective I think that as you are female you cannot get away with what guys do.
Although glasses would probably help.
And a pony-tail.
But I had to quit the best job I am ever likely to hold in my life because I was unable to convince smartly dressed people I was competent, let alone smart. There was a long time of annoyance that they did not pay me more because I was not dressed like the people they did pay more. Your post hits too close to home and too near the bone ... I left and I have not been able to overcome this ... perception dilemna. I agree it is interface, but our faces are still - or should be - ours.
It matters to supervisors more than customers, I kept finding out. I wish you more strenght of character than I had *snort* and am truly interested on how it will work out.
no subject
I've learned that even if I find people's reliance on physical appearance to be unfortunate, it's never going to change, so I just have to try to work with it. Not to total conformity, but to adjust where I can.
I'm not under any pressure, thank goodness, but I'm just trying to pay a bit more attention to my professional life right now.
no subject
Hence I tried to also give practical advice. Do you have glasses?
Pity about the pony tail ;P