Creative Creating: Create the Tools You Wish Existed
April 27, 2015 Reading Time: < 1 Minute
I use a lot of online tools for various tasks throughout the day. Most of the simplistic tools that I use (they focus on doing one thing), generally lack something that I wish they had.
Some of them do a great job, but look like they haven’t been touched since 1999. The interface is awkward/not intuitive, it’s crammed with advertisements, it’s built in Flash, and, most of the time, design, was an afterthought.
So instead of complaining, I’ve decided to re-build these tools.
I’ve already started by building three:
#1) Super Simple Stopwatch
Just like it sounds, it does one thing well: Keeps track of time. It’s extremely easy to use and responsive. I use it constantly throughout my day.
#2) Super Simple Mortgage Calculator
Again, this does one thing well: Calculates a mortgage so you can estimate your monthly payments.
And now I’ve built a third: CASE+CONVERT
#3 CASE+CONVERT
This app converts text from lowercase, UPPERCASE, Sentence case, or Capitalize Case and vice-versa. You can type or paste your text, push a button, and it’ll transform your text. Try it out for yourself.
You may ask: why create something like this if it already exists elsewhere?
Because it’s fun, challenging, and educational. Not only do I get to create and use the tool I want, but I learn valuable lessons and skills along the way.
The founders of 37Signals had a similar strategy when they decided to build a project management tool for their team which we now know as Basecamp.
I think it’s important for people to build and create things they wish existed or believe they can do better. Not only for the tools that come out of it, but for the entire experience of creating.
Are there complementary tools in your industry that you could create or improve upon?
Stay CREATIVE.
Written by Shawn Hooghkirk on April 27, 2015
Last updated on August 31, 2016. Shawn is the President of Graticle, Inc.