My first week at IDEO, there was an older gentleman who brought a tour through the Toy Lab. Being new, I was racing around furiously trying to prove myself and gave them little regard. But he was very kind and calm and said hello, inquiring for his guests what I was making. I showed him my foam core contraption and he chuckled gently, turning it in his hands. As he held it, he spoke about how we prototype at IDEO, how it is an essential part of the process of invention and discovery. A few days later I opened a book called Designing Interactions and my jaw dropped as I realized who this lovely man was. What a humbling and inspirational experience.
Bill was an incredibly present person. He always seemed to have time for a kind word or thought. I remember him teaching me about ocean currents and whale migrations over the coffee urn, or holding the door for someone behind him, or offering an unexpected compliment — all with that twinkle in his eye and a little smile. From his example I learned to try to walk a little bit slower, have a little more careful regard for my surroundings and appreciation of the Moment in which we live.
Thanks, Bill!