Powerpoint

Jacques Barzun, in his cultural history "From Dawn to Decadence," defines “Mannerism” as the downward curve of artistic intensity in which perfection increases as inspiration decreases. Thus, “perfection is not a necessary characteristic of the greatest art.”

Perfection is not a necessary characteristic of the greatest Powerpoint presentation either. But, as in every creative endeavor, a perceived intensity born out of inspiration is what ultimately separates the good from the bad.

Powerpoint’s supremely reductive nature makes it very difficult to use effectively. To me, the goal of a tool like this should be to organize information in a way that is compelling, clear and substantial. Instead, what I most often see is platitudinous regurgitation in the form of colored shapes, arrows and lists. It may be that we can do better, but I think this tool is simply overused, or is used as a replacement for creativity rather than as a vehicle for it.