This was a note I sent to Bill before he passed … it summed it up for me. I attempted some levity and optimism, no closure here —his gifts and wisdom live on.

Hi Bill (and Karin),

I hear you are in quite a fight. I’m glad you are back in our adopted sunny California. In fact, I was talking to a young designer today, reminiscing, and I found myself telling him about how your phone call back in the summer of 1987 is the reason I am out here. Then, how fate would take it from there — now, finding myself with a beautiful family and a nifty way of making a living from home … yeah, I did say “nifty” :-)

I also told him about your advice to ‘disconnect’ as a problem solver, and about how generous you were in the creative process — both have helped me to be better over the years. You also always managed to find a skill or trait to hail in people. I enjoyed being called on by you, even just for some nice sketches.

Then, upon leaving IDEO, when I was seeking my less ambitious path, you had some encouraging words: “a balanced life is its own reward” … which is practically my motto now. (Well that, and … “never waste a good opportunity to nap”.)

Thinking of you.

Your loyal employee and friend,

Chris (Loew)

I first worked with Bill during the 2008 IaD Summit at IDEO. I was facilitating, along with Anne P and Alex G, and we asked Bill to MC. The two things I remember most about that time were 1) his ability to rally a rowdy audience with but a few taps of his teaspoon on a glass and 2) his graciousness in giving credit to all interaction designers at IDEO. I remember thinking, “He’s the kind of leader I want to be.” Bill, thank you for modeling integrity, grace, and humility always.

I remember his incredible hospitality on Boxing Day. I remember driving in a downpour a few years ago to reach the “magic house” that his son (and my dear friend Alex) spoke about with frequency. The drive was harrowing and beautiful. Once we arrived both Bill and Karin treated me, my husband, and our spirited 18 month-old Roxie with warmth and welcome. I’ll never forget sipping delicious soup while gazing out over the wet and gorgeous landscape. A warm memory indeed. He will be missed.

Bill’s sense of humor and practical look at the world made him such a joy to work with! He was so open minded and eager to learn new things. He made all the people around him better!

The reality of Bill’s death continues to sting for me. He was just such a distinctively delightful man.

As I read all the stories here, I found myself continuing to say, “Yes, that happened to me with Bill” or “Bill did that for me too,” or “I saw Bill do something just like that.”

My two lessons from this: He was such a wellspring of a person that he could bring so much to so many. Secondly, he had such genuine integrity that he was the same in nearly all settings, with nearly all different people.

Bill, you were an exceptional gift in my life. Thank you.

I first meet Bill at a conference in Chicago in 1993. He gave an inspiring talk during which he spoke about how difficult it was to set his new digital wristwatch. In fact, he confessed that he had to rely on his young son to do it for him. Bill then challenged the audience to start paying the same kind of attention to the way people interact with products that was being given to shaping the objects themselves. In a time where technology-centered terms like “hypermedia” were being use to describe interactive systems, Bill characteristically shared the term “interaction design” to describe a fledgling new discipline…one which focused on shaping how we interact with products, services, systems and environments in new ways. I feel so fortunate to have come upon this new discipline at a time where Bill was leading the way forward in such a special way. His positive outlook on design, gentle demeanor, approachability and his passion for people is something I will always draw inspiration from. Thank you so much Bill for all the wonderful interactions.

Being as accomplished as Bill was, it surprised me that he was such a humble, nice person. I would see Bill at conferences and talks after my time at IDEO and he would always make time to come by and say hello, chat for a while, tell a few jokes or amusing stories.

I often wondered why a chat with Bill had this uncanny way of putting you at ease and leaving you on a high note. But then again he always reminded me a little of Obi Wan Kenobi…. Hmm….

Thanks Bill.

Bill was such a grounding presence to be around at IDEO. I had the honor to help him build the Designing Interactions website with my colleague Katie Clark. He always had a smile on his face and his laugh was infectious. His sage advice was always from the heart and his hugs were from the soul. I was also inspired by his love for his wife Karin. Even after all the years they had been together there was always a twinkle in his eye when he spoke of her. Thank you Bill, for your kind heart and gentle soul. I am so lucky to have known you and I wish I could have gotten to know you more. I wish you peace on your next journey.

Just thinking about Bill makes me smile. He was a beautiful person and an incredible designer…today, I miss him lots.

Bill – The wonderful ‘Mr. Moggridge’ – Our very special ambassador and friend – Having read all the stories and memories from Bill’s friends, colleagues and contemporaries – I would like to make an observation – Bill was not just a fantastic creator, academic, practitioner – he was a person who has left so many people in awe of his personality, charisma and charm – I am so very pleased to have witnessed and spent time with the unique and wonderful ‘Mr. Moggridge’.

Thank you for everything – I will miss you.