Creativity
So I’ve had an iPad for two weeks and loads of people have asked how I use it and what I’m using it for.
Or if it’s just a bit of a toy?
Well I’ve discovered using this new type of tablet (and watch this space for the clones) ushers in a whole modus operandi.
In short, it’s brilliant – especially for writers, designers, entrepreneurs, inventors and creatives.
And this new way of working merits the introduction of a new word – iPadivity.
noun [n] :
1. the phenomenon of increased creativity and productivity when using an iPad – and activity while doing the same
2. the generation of new ideas using an iPad
3. profitability from generating and using iPad apps
Now I have to say everything I’ve been able to do I could do with a combination of iPhone or laptop. Some of it admittedly even with paper and pen. While the iPhone scores on portability, it lacks screen real estate and typing is slow (this whole blog incidentally was written at speed using the iPad on screen keyboard).
The laptop is just so much heavier and I have always felt a bit nerdy to get out on a commute and certainly in a coffee shop. It also takes too long to boot if you just want to do something quickly and acts as a barrier in a business meeting. The 3G enabled iPad delivers a useful synthesis of both devices which is better than both – plus I have to say it looks cool !!
This Mind Map tells the story of what I am using it for … of course generated on the iPad as were all the graphics in this blog.
The first iPadivity gain is really good use of “dead time” – those times in the day when you would have been waiting for something can now be used to process email, do a tweet or two and check out news or write a blog.
The second iPadivity benefit is being able to read, listen to or watch pretty much anything – either online, in iTunes or your own archive.
The third iPadivity capability, and to me the most important, is being able to write stuff. Here the lightness and specific functionality of the apps comes into its own. For example, before writing each chapter of my new book, I’ve taken a hint from artist Cat Bennett and I am drawing using Brushes an image that encapsulates the concepts I am about to write about.
I am working to a master Mind Map structure for the whole book but I’ve also started mapping each chapter before eventually writing it in Pages.
This has lead me down several new avenues I simply wouldn’t have explored.
Now could I do this on the laptop or desktop – absolutely – but not when the Muse takes me – and certainly not with as much ease and FUN !!
Add to all of this, the ability to browse on a whim for research and dip into the brilliant Wikipanion app, my iPadivity is probably up 400-500% of where it was just a fortnight ago.
I’ve also used the iPad in several client sessions. Again, its unobtrusiveness is the key. It’s like having a paper notebook but where you can email the notes instantly. In the sessions I did last week, this included a colour-coded Mind Map of actions arising and a wireframe for an iPad app I am designing, using iMockup – example only below as the real one is subject to confidentiality at the mo.
This of course points to an amazing iPadivity – the ability to encapsulate your knowledge and wisdom in an iPad app which you can share with other and generate profitability from … watch this space !!
So if you’ve got an iPad, or are getting one, I’d be interested in your thoughts ….
I love the fun and exploration you put into these things and just wish I had the geekery to be able to emulate it!
You know geekery is the new alchemy
love the mind maps Tom. You are slowly convincing me…
OK, OK, it was the fact that you can draw on it that got me. Anyone want to buy a Sony ereader?
I’d keep the Sony ereader for the beach – you can’t read the iPad in sunshine (and you would need to take your charger on holiday with you)
Agee on most things but then again I was expecting to
I preordered an ipad from the us knowing it would instantly work its way into my workflow.
Disagree on some aspects though: sometimes we need dead time to regroup and chill, also the screen is the worst kind of image output to look at fit a long stretch of time, especially last thing at night.
Lastly I miss the tactile nature of a pen in hand and keyboard at fingers (i haven’t got the keyboard yet so can’t comment on that score).
That said the ipad is a transformative device and I love what it allows me to do, especially with brushes (you might also enjoy inkling and harmonious?) I am doing some writing on the pad… But it’s a tool next to a pen for me rather than a replacement.
Though I am not going to buy an iPad for the life of me, some clones are tickling my mind and pocket.
But, I’m wondering, how good is touchscreen for typing. It certainly looks uncomfortable but maybe I’m wrong. Sure, twitt or something short is ok, we do those even on the phones, but something longer than thousand words must be painful. Or am I wrong?
I love it – nearly as fast as a normal kboard but I did get a docking one for faster typing – the arrow keys make a difference too
Hi there, a small (& silly Q) but What app did you use to draw the mindmap?
Thanks for asking – I use iThoughts as it exports to iMindmap and Mind Manger which I use on the desktop – looking forward to both of these being iPad friendly though
Having heard you enthuse so much at this evening’s event in Surrey, I had to check out the iPadivity blog. Am even more likely to get one now. I only have the wife to convince… …perhaps I need some of those hypnosis techniques as well.
John
If you add iPad & iPhone app development to your agency’s portfolio as tools for marketing then the iPad is an investment not a cost. Hypnotically this should work – just say ” I am going to invest in an iPad ” not buy one
Hi Tom,
Your thoughts on the iPad have definitely got me thinking. I am off to Vancouver for a month in August and would love to just take an iPad to write rather than lugging my macbook pro (which I do love still) based on what you have said. Of course, it works out much cheaper buying in the US or Canada. So, only question…iPad 3G or iPad Wifi?? Have investigated the MiFi on 3 which is essentially a mobile broadband hotspot which enables the iPad Wifi to access data on the go…and the data packages are much better for the MiFi than the iPad 3G (£15/month for 5gb vs 15/month for 3gb on Orange). So, Mr iPadivity (I’m sold), do the location based services of the iPad 3G justify the extra expense in your opinion??
Thanks!
I don’t use the 3G a lot but when I do need it, it has been invaluable – go 3G IMHO
I waited until now to get my iPad. Reason: i was waiting for the Android version to come out first as a comparable but I’m impatient.
Whether it be an Android or an iPad the fact remains the same a “tablet” serves a purpose.
For too long we have been tied to a plastic lump in the corner aka a computer ( if you think about it a computer has never changed design since Babbage invented it – by default we have to go to it to use it, this is the same as a TV really.
But since the advent of the iPhone things have changed, moreover, since the advent of web 2.0 and the ability to “up-load” and share aka “social web” the use of the web has changed. Therefore, bringing the need to access the web vis a different media and one that is portable.
IPhone or Android? Who cares that’s down to the user to decide, but one thing is for sure which ever one you choose you will use it.
N
Glad you are taking the Tablet at last !!!
My youngest daughter has severe athetoid CP and although she is very bright can not walk, talk or use her hands effectively. Her cousins got together and bought her an iPad for completing her HSC (so beautiful and generous of them all). My daughter uses the iPad predominantly with her nose (where there’s a will there’s a way!!) and is now conversing with all her friends and family using it. It is so much lighter, quicker and with Facebook, internet access and a multitude of apps from speech to ordering a taxi the world has been opened up to her. Now all she needs is an Australian voice app instead of relying on an American or English accent. LOL
Now that’s what I call iPadivity !!!