Nate Mahoney Studio

Tag: design

  • Prototyping

    Prototyping

    Thanks to Diane and Kate for leading a fun AI playground workshop.

    I’m using AI tools to create new products and services.

    For my art practice:

    1. AI Coffee: Scan a QR code sticker to order your coffee

    For my small business, The Urbanist.

    1. The Urbanist: Text Advice for how to use public transportation, food recommendations, and for city tips.
    2. The Urbanist. Safe Streets: Text message supportive advice for confidently navigating the city.

    Tool or Tools utilized: Figma Make, Twillio, Terminal, Python, Flask, Claude, Chat GPT. 

    What worked well: Figma make went very well for generating a prototype. Setting up an account and verifying phone numbers on Twillio was easy. 

    What didn’t: Getting python running on terminal was tricky, I’m new to coding so learning a lot asking Chat GPT how to get it to work 

    Next steps: Prototyping and coding this so it actually works with a phone number ported to Twillio. 

    Links: 

  • Retail inspiration

    Retail inspiration

    Walking into a retail store in person is still an inspirational experience for me.

    There you are, innocently looking for dish soap, and suddenly you’re holding a panini press you didn’t know you needed, imagining all the grilled cheese glory your future holds.

    IRL Retail has this magical way of telling you stories about the life you could lead, usually one with fresher breath, cooler sneakers, and at least three throw pillows more than you currently own.

    The beauty of it is that retail isn’t pretending to be high art. It’s basically a friendly neighbor who says, “Hey, want to see something cool?” and then hands you a vacuum that can also talk to your phone.

    It’s not sophisticated, but it is sneaky. One minute, you’re thinking about new running shoes; the next, you’re signing up for a half marathon you didn’t even know existed.

    What makes retail inspiring is its casual belief in your potential. Every aisle whispers tiny pep talks: “With this blender, you will love kale smoothies!” or “These pens will finally make you that organized person you always wanted to be.”

    It’s a low-stakes, high-impact theater of possibility. Sure, you might leave with a glow-in-the-dark dog leash and no dog, but isn’t that the kind of optimism life needs?