When we design we usually have a context in mind for how that design will be experienced. Though sometimes in our excitement to evangelize what we’ve created we lose our designs original intent.

Case in point the video below for Microsoft’s Envisioning Center

I am intimately familiar with future envisioning at Microsoft and worked on previous versions of the Envisioning Center this video represents. While
proud of the fine work from my former colleagues, my first impression of this video was similar to Fast Company’s critique, Microsoft’s Vision Of The Future Is Trapped In A Box.

Later, I visited the Envisioning Center and my reaction was different than I thought it would be after having seen the video. I enjoyed the experience, due in part to it being in the context it was designed for. Unfortunately the videos retelling of the story has the visuals focus too much on the technology, vs enjoying the benefits.

To Fast’s point (their problem in a nutshell) not captured in the video is the softer side of experience, that which evokes an emotional response.The
physical space does a better job of that offering a variety of ways to engage our interest and environments.

The moral of this story: be purposeful of how you share your vision.