Technology As Innovator

It was early 2003, half a year from my university entrance exam, when I sat in a pensive state, imaging my vision for my career. I had chosen IT for 6 years at that time, and had never thought twice ever since. My university application was filled with preferences for IT; I always declared my direction with anybody who asked.

But something was missing. People, who never ever worked in the IT industry, always commented that IT was dry and IT people were rigid. I knew it was not true; in fact, I felt so.

I liked art and literature, composed poem, wrote reflections of music and developed a sympathetic character.

And suddenly, this motto flashed through my mind: “To bring humanity to IT”.

I wanted to prove that IT existed to serve humanities, not to become a self-contained world itself. I wanted to become a bridge between IT and those who didn’t understand it clearly.

I had a vision. It was my very first vision.

***

During my undergraduate education, I developed some products, some games. I joined some debates on the IT career and challenged the “Computer Science for Computer Science” thoughts. I discussed with geeks who value the efficiency of algorithms over designed patterns, who are obsessed about command lines, who were demented to the “Art of computing” stuffs, and so on.

Throughout much argument, I was enlightened that what these computer scientists were pursuing, though they never admit it, would eventually benefit the communities of non-experts, if and only if a bridge existed between the technical clusters beneath and the users on the surface.

I knew I could be that connecting layer.

***

Now I am a business analyst, who looks at and defines the system from the user’s point of view. I am having more discussion with system analysts, who look at the system from the technical point of view, on wiki(usability) and efficiency, value of functionalities to users and to the architecture.

I am writing some articles on Web 2.0 wiki(usability) and giving feedbacks to Web 2.0 system development teams. I am attracted to how well Web 2.0 serves normal, ordinary users.

I just realized that I am doing exactly what I wrote in my vision: I am now really a bridge between IT and end-users.

My plan that lasted for one decade came true and my first vision is here so touchable. I’m looking forward to my second twelve-year vision: my parents’ retirement plan.

Tai Tran's Lab: Technology As Innovator

“In our factory, we make lipstick; in our advertising, we sell hope.” - Charles Revson, founder of Revlon

The basic question in customer-driven enterprises goes: “What do you actually sell?” or “What is the essense of your business?”

IT people sell Opportunities

The purpose of IT solutions is to help users save their time and efforts in managing their works by automating certain workflows. By saving time doing repeating tasks, the workforce now can concentrate on generating new ideas and innovation, thus bring more Opportunities to the organizations.

The rapid development of the IT industry also revolutionizes the way people do business, whether it is sale, delivery, public service or advertisement. e-retailing, e-marketing, e-market research, social networks are just a few to name. What these have to offer is the Opportunity to reach, satisfy and get money from different market categories.

My value: I sell Inspiration

Beside a thinker, a doer, a problem solver, a solution definer, I bring to the organization my uniqueness: Inspiration.

My passion - and also what I’m naturally good at - is to inspire people, with my commitment, loyalty, faith, warm heart and energetic zeal.

“Outward, I offer solutions. Inward, I inspire to achieve such ambitions.”