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A take on life as it passes by...

PAVEMENT VIEWS
A spectator's take on life
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The F1 movie review
A cliche-ridden story of a petulant, self-centered has-been who thinks he knows better than everyone else
Vinay Payyapilly
Jul 292 min read
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Writing for your audience
This article highlights three common documentation errors: explaining what users already know, detailing things they can't control, and failing to explain non-obvious yet crucial information. It stresses that such "noise" frustrates users, increases costs, and indicates a fundamental failure to prioritize user needs in documentation.
Vinay Payyapilly
Jun 302 min read
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Rethinking tests: From evaluation to insight
Tests aren't just grades! This post argues that educational testing should offer insights, not just evaluation. It suggests using test data to tailor teaching to specific student needs, rather than just focusing on top performers. It challenges current systems that may miss valuable information and leave many students behind.
Vinay Payyapilly
Jun 92 min read
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Minimalistic documentation
Stop documenting basic tasks! Your microwave manual nails it: 80% cooking, 20% how-to. Software docs often flip this, acting as a band-aid for bad UI. Focus on complex "secondary scenarios" and let friction-free design speak for itself. Documentation isn't a safety net; it's a tactical weapon. Use its limited ammo wisely, or it's just noise.
Vinay Payyapilly
Jun 24 min read
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Hallucinations - A most human trait
GenAI’s hallucinations mirror human assumptions—confident, plausible, and often wrong. Always verify. Always doubt.
Vinay Payyapilly
Apr 212 min read
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Acing that interview
Want to ace your next interview? Here's your cheat sheet: research the company, interviewer, and your projects.
Vinay Payyapilly
Apr 93 min read
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How to make your job application irresistible
Struggling to get hired? Here's how to make your application stand out.
Vinay Payyapilly
Mar 313 min read
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Rethinking product documentation in the age of user experience
When someone complains about poor documentation, they’re usually looking for something that isn’t a straightforward process.
Vinay Payyapilly
Mar 33 min read
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Doubles cricket - The official rulebook
Doubles cricket is a variation of cricket that has a lot in common with Box cricket that is popular in Mumbai. All the rules of regular...
Vinay Payyapilly
Mar 23 min read
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Doubles cricket - Democratizing cricket
I began to think about a form of cricket as close to the real thing as possible without the demands of infrastructure and fitness.
Vinay Payyapilly
Mar 22 min read
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Two approaches to AI: External engagement and internal empowerment
AI initiatives fall into external (customer-facing) and internal (efficiency-driven).
Vinay Payyapilly
Feb 32 min read
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Why putting help behind a sign-on is a bad idea
Hiding Help docs behind a sign-in harms discovery, limits prospects, and doesn't deter competitors.
Vinay Payyapilly
Dec 9, 20242 min read
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Pageviews: A misleading metric
Pageviews can mislead about documentation quality. Focus on user experience for true insights.
Vinay Payyapilly
Dec 3, 20241 min read
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UX Writing – The bus that technical writers missed
Tech writers missed the UX bus, but it’s not too late—there’s still time to jump in, collaborate early, and make a real impact.
Vinay Payyapilly
Nov 4, 20245 min read
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Success without a map - Lessons from my journey
Success isn’t always planned. Embrace uncertainty, work hard, keep learning, and be ready when luck strikes. Life’s path isn’t always linear
Vinay Payyapilly
Oct 28, 20245 min read
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Intergenerational conversations or the art of asking why
This post explores the importance of generational shifts and embracing flexible workspaces as key to the future workplace.
Vinay Payyapilly
Oct 14, 20244 min read
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The art of interviewing: Answering "Why this company?" effectively
Prepare for the "Why this company?" interview question by aligning your skills, research, and growth potential with company needs.
Vinay Payyapilly
Sep 23, 20242 min read
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Resumes that shine: Crafting resumes that get noticed
The post emphasizes showcasing impact over tasks in resumes, urging applicants to highlight their contributions and measurable achievements.
Vinay Payyapilly
Sep 16, 20242 min read
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Listening across generations: A reflection on generational differences and values
Discover how generational perspectives on time and values shape our lives and relationships, fostering understanding across different ages.
Vinay Payyapilly
Aug 25, 20243 min read
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Chivalry or Control? The Quiet Policing of Women's Choices
This article critiques how seemingly well-intentioned acts of male protection can undermine women's autonomy.
Vinay Payyapilly
Aug 21, 20242 min read
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