Explaining Technology With Scissors and Sharpies

The job of explaining technology can be a daunting task. I have become much better over the years at creating analogies and references that help demystify the aspects of how technology works. I still fall into the trap of speaking in terms that escape my audience from time to time. If you're days are spent immersed in the intricacies and nuances of technology it's an easy mistake to make.

Enter the folks at CommonCraft.Com. Perhaps you've seen a few of their viral videos on the web. I love the approach they take in simplifying the complicated with nothing more than scissors and sharpies. The folks at Redfin were so enamored with the concept that they have employed the services of Common Craft to explain their business model to consumers.

Below is an explanation of RSS (really simple syndication). It was created in April, but it's still the most popular of the common craft videos. I often refer to RSS as the engine of Web 2.0 and try to create metaphors that help agents understand syndication and it's impact on the distribution of listings and listing enhancements. The visuals and goofy hand gestures employed in this explanation add a great deal of impact to the delivery of the message.