Contributed by: Mark Smith (Posted on 2007-08-16)
Voice Recognition Grocery List available HERE
Communication and memory problems
COMMUNICATION
I just went to the pantry for a snack of my favorite cereal. But, the box was all but empty … no it is not a locust or mouse problem … my preteen son had struck again!
Of course I am never guilty of leaving almost empty milk containers in the refrigerator!
All my wife and I ask is to know that an item is gone and needs to be replaced next time we are at the store. Simple – right?
MEMORY
I was stopped at a light in my car this week, scratching my ever-thinning head, trying to remember what the errand was that I did not put on the list because I was going to “remember” it next time I was out.
Well, finally, I did remember. However, I was half way home! So I will “remember” it next time I am out.
“Makes Life Simple”
I have tried tying string around my finger, index cards, note pads left strategically around the house, and the “To Do” list function on my computer. As a result I often end up with multiple lists in multiple locations and thus no master list to work from.
Net, there I am looking for a snack that does not exist or scratching my head trying to remember what is on the list back home.
Just “say it” and “rip it”
The solution is a clever little gadget called the Voice Recognition Grocery List!
Chalk this one under, why didn’t I think of this!
It could not be simpler. You magnetically attach the battery powered unit to the door of the refrigerator and follow these three steps:
1 – press the “record” button
2 – say an item or errand, example, “cereal” or “dry cleaning”
3 – when you are ready to go to the store or on errands press the “print” button and out pops a presorted list for you to put in your pocket!
That is it! How simple! It even has an LCD display so you can check your entry. It comes preloaded with 2,500 items and errands. And you can have up to 5,000 more added.
One note, it did take a little practice to learn to speak clearly and not mumble!
In summary
This is a bit of a gimmick or novelty item and can easily be replaced with a good memory or index cards and pen in the pocket. However, I have not had consistent luck with either the memory or index card approach (my polo style shirts do not have pockets and I have sat on too many pens in my pants pocket).
Give it a try and you will find it is simple and convenient, which works well for that little bit of
ADD – AD/HD in all of us.
Cheers,
Mark Smith
For over 20 years, Mark has worked 27 years in the consumer products and technology industries. Mark believes that technology, in all its forms, should be an enabler to make life simpler. Products should be intuitive and not require the manual (to set the VCR clock). After all, technology should not aggravate that little bit of ADD - AD/HD in all of us.
As a strategy and process simplification consultant, international lecturer, and author; Mark has been assisting corporations, government agencies, start-ups, and individuals that want to use technology to add value and keep it simple for that little bit of ADD – ADHD in all of us.
Mark can be reached at mark@OpenGateAdvisors.com
