They can discern subtle differences in color, symmetry, and movement within a peacock’s tail feathers, helping them to select mates with the most vibrant and symmetrical displays, indicators of genetic fitness and health.
This selective process ensures the production of strong, viable offspring. Research indicates that peahens are sensitive to both visible and ultraviolet (UV) light, which is invisible to humans. The "eyespot" patterns on a peacock’s tail reflect UV light, providing additional information during mate evaluation. More reflective and symmetrical eyespots are more attractive to peahens.
A study found that peahens prefer males that perform vigorous tail-shaking displays, which enhance the perceived brilliance of their eyespots. These behaviors serve as honest signals of a male’s fitness, as maintaining such displays requires significant energy and good health. The peahen’s visual perception ensures that only the fittest males pass on their genes, contributing to the health and diversity of future generations.
Beyond mating, peahens' sharp eyesight aids in spotting predators and navigating their environment. Their muted plumage helps them blend in, protecting themselves and their young.
One of their arguments is to end the "Billionaire Takeover" and corruption within the Trump administration. This primarily concerns the administration's policies that disproportionately favor wealthy individuals, particularly Elon Musk's role in government restructuring.
The "Hands Off!" protests, initiated on April 5, 2025, represented a significant nationwide mobilization against policies enacted by President Donald Trump and his administration. Organized by a coalition of over 150 groups, the movement drew millions of Americans across over 1,400 locations nationwide, spanning all 50 states.
Left's Arguments
Mass Layoffs and Agency Closures: Under Musk's and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), approximately 216,000 federal jobs were terminated across major departments. Raising concerns about the dismantling of essential public services. (Business Insider)
Conflicts of Interest and Private Enterprises: House Democrats initiated an investigation into potential conflicts of interest involving Musk and NASA. Concerns centered on Musk's dual role within the federal government and his business ties through SpaceX, which secured over $15 billion in NASA funding. (Axios)
Use of AI for Surveillance: DOGE employed AI to monitor federal agencies for sentiments perceived as hostile to the administration's policies. (Reuters)
Right's Arguments
Efficiency and Cost Savings: Musk's initiatives aimed to eliminate wasteful government spending. DOGE claimed to have achieved significant budgetary savings by terminating over 16,000 grants and contracts (Business Insider)
Government Modernization: The administration posited that restructuring efforts were designed to modernize government operations, making them more efficient and responsive. Musk emphasized the need to "weed out corruption" and implement systems to enforce accountability. (Dallas Weekly)
Assessment
While the administration's objectives centered on efficiency and modernization, the methods employed (large-scale layoffs, potential conflicts of interest, and surveillance practices) raised concerns about transparency, democratic integrity, and the equitable distribution of power.
The evidence suggests that the protesters' apprehensions regarding the consolidation of influence among wealthy individuals and the potential undermining of democratic institutions were well-founded.
Therefore, the arguments presented by the protesters appear to be more substantiated when considering the available data. (GeoPolicalEconomy, Brookings, FedScoop, Time, NPR, PBS)
Mar 17 2025
What Actually Makes us Happy
True happiness comes from nurturing our mental and emotional well-being through intrinsic practices rather than relying on external achievements like wealth or career milestones that only provide temporary boosts of happiness. Social connections provide emotional support and a sense of belonging, while gratitude and acts of kindness foster purpose and reduce negative emotions.
By engaging in meaningful activities that align with personal values and practicing mindfulness to stay present, we can build lasting fulfillment. Taking care of our physical health with regular exercise, proper sleep, and a balanced diet further strengthens our emotional resilience, creating a solid foundation for a happier life.
Hedonic adaptation refers to our tendency to quickly return to a relatively stable level of happiness despite major positive or negative events. Essentially, even after exciting changes or achievements, our satisfaction tends to level off over time.
To overcome this, it's important to incorporate strategies like practicing gratitude, seeking out new experiences, and setting fresh goals to continually engage and challenge ourselves. By focusing on mindfulness and intentional living, we can slow down adaptation and maintain a deeper sense of contentment.
I was the principal UX/UI designer and researcher of two separate AI-powered Windows touchscreen applications that detect, identify, and process samples for insurance claims, serving major companies from Allstate to State Farm.
The first application, Project "Titan," identifies provided housing samples using three cameras. The application would eventually be embedded into the new receiving station application (Project "Receiving"), where samples are either sorted for further lab analysis or prepared for shipping.
Project "Titan"
This project began by identifying the hardware and experience necessary for users to place samples for AI identification. Minimizing user error and maximizing user control were non-negotiable. I designed movable and non-movable portions of the workstation to eliminate unnecessary complexity. Camera positioning and lighting were also critical for achieving the most accurate AI detection possible.
Desk structure final from CAD
After numerous iterations and reviews with stakeholders—including the CTO, product team, developers, and lab workers—I developed a universally approved low-fidelity prototype.
Rapid iteration allowed us to uncover and solve hidden complexities early, before moving into high-fidelity design or development. Walking through each workflow step-by-step with stakeholders multiple times prevented expensive rework later.
Lo-fi from Figjam (Figma)
Since this was a Windows touchscreen application, I used Microsoft’s official Windows Figma file to build a tailored, native-feeling design system. Custom components were only created when absolutely necessary, keeping development overhead low while ensuring the application felt as polished and intuitive as any first-party Windows app.
The initial screen showed live feeds from three cameras on the left and a larger focus view on the right, where users could view sample information and capture all three images simultaneously with a single button.
Initial screen showing user all three camera views
After tapping "Capture All," users would move to the verification step. Here, the AI detection would rate each image as a pass (green), soft fail (yellow), or hard fail (red).
The AI evaluated focus, positioning, and object recognition. Users could toggle between captured images and live camera feeds to re-capture images until all passed.
Verification screen showing AI evaluation of photos
Project "Receiving"
The second application, Project "Receiving," modernized a legacy Windows touchscreen system that was riddled with issues: poorly labeled controls, unclear error messaging, inefficient layouts, and confusing navigation.
User tapping legacy system at work stationLegacy system initial screen
The biggest challenge was navigating around the inflexible legacy codebase. Collaborating closely with developers, architecture, product teams, and upper management, we finalized the most optimal user flow possible within these constraints.
Existing programmatic flow and it's proposed updates
Once the new flow was locked, I iterated on the design, working hand-in-hand with product managers and developers to adjust for new insights and technical obstacles.
Lo-fi for primary user flow in Figjam (Figma)
Again, using Microsoft’s official Windows Figma file and building upon custom components from Project Titan, I created a seamless initial experience that significantly reduced learning curves and development effort.
Initial user touchscreen
This screen allowed users to identify the insurance provider, forms, sample types, and properties, while also packaging and tagging the samples, all with a live camera feed for verification.
Key design principles I established included:
Most-used actions placed closest to the user (left side) to reduce time-to-target and minimize physical effort
Insurance brand identification and functional weight communicated through color coding
Clear visual grouping of related controls
Scrollable areas always showed a visible scrollbar to hint at additional controls
Primary identifying information and controls always at the top
Adherence to Windows-native language and navigation patterns
Control size and visual weight scaled according to frequency and importance of use
The next major screen displayed all added samples, their associated shipping and lab tray assignments, and allowed users to view or edit related images and documentation. Again, scrollbars were persistently visible to make overflow obvious and intuitive.
Finally, the product management screen enabled users to manage individual samples and associated assets, including the ability to edit, view, or delete information.
Product management screen
Conclusion
By leading the UX/UI design for both Project Titan and Project Receiving, I helped modernize critical insurance claim workflows with precision, efficiency, and a native Windows experience. I eliminated costly user errors, streamlined convoluted processes, and built intuitive systems that scaled easily for developers. Working within real-world legacy and hardware constraints, I proved that deep stakeholder collaboration, rapid iteration, and strict design principles can still produce modern, high-impact software — even in industries notorious for technical debt.
Dec 08 2024
Happiness Misconceptions
We often misjudge happiness because we overestimate the long term emotional impact of both positive and negative events and we compare ourselves to the idealized lives presented on social media. We assume that achieving a promotion, buying a new car, or finding the perfect relationship will bring lasting joy. In reality, our emotions quickly return to a baseline state as we adjust to new circumstances. Evolutionary instincts and cultural norms encourage us to seek status and material rewards even though these pursuits rarely lead to lasting fulfillment once our basic needs are met.
Understanding this gap between expectation and reality is essential for building a more satisfying life. Instead of chasing fleeting rewards, research shows that practices such as gratitude, mindfulness, and investing in meaningful relationships have a much greater impact on long lasting happiness. By shifting our focus from external achievements to intrinsic values, we can break free from the cycle of endless comparison and develop a deeper sense of well being.
Serving as more than a decorative feature, it’s a masterpiece of evolutionary engineering that combines beauty, functionality, and adaptability.
Lightweight Yet Strong
Despite its size, the toucan’s beak is surprisingly lightweight. Made primarily of keratin—the same material as human hair and nails—it’s structured with a foam-like interior that consists of a network of tiny air pockets. This design provides strength while keeping the beak light enough for the bird to carry and use with ease. This clever adaptation allows the toucan to maintain balance and agility while navigating the forest canopy.
A Tool for Eating and More
The beak’s primary function is feeding, and it is perfectly suited for the toucan’s frugivorous diet. Its length enables the bird to reach fruits on branches that might otherwise be inaccessible. The sharp edges of the beak can peel fruit, while its dexterity allows the toucan to pick up and toss food into its mouth with precision.
Thermoregulation: Toucans regulate their body temperature through their beaks. The large surface area and extensive network of blood vessels allow heat to dissipate when it’s warm, keeping the bird cool in tropical climates.
Social Interactions: The bright colors of the beak play a role in communication and mating. A vibrant, well-maintained beak can signal health and vitality to potential mates.
Defense: While not a primary weapon, the beak can be used to deter predators or rivals, making it a valuable asset for survival.
The Role of Color
The vibrant hues of a toucan’s beak are not just for show—they serve important functions. The colors can help the bird blend into its environment by mimicking the bright fruits and flowers of the tropical forest, providing camouflage. Additionally, the colorful beak acts as a visual signal during social interactions, such as courtship displays or territorial disputes.
Nestled in St. Augustine, Florida, Flagler College was originally built as a luxury hotel by industrialist Henry Flagler in 1888, now it's a National Historic Landmark, and a testament to the grandeur of the Gilded Age.
The ceiling of the grand rotunda in Ponce de León Hall is a dazzling display of artistic brilliance. Designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany, a celebrated artist and glassmaker, the ceiling features intricate patterns of gold leaf, stained glass, and hand-painted murals. Tiffany is known for his innovative use of light and color.
At the center of the ceiling is an elegant stained-glass dome, which allows natural light to filter through, illuminating the golden accents and vibrant hues of the surrounding designs. The dome is framed by intricate woodwork, enhancing its visual appeal and creating a sense of depth and majesty.
Symbolism in Every Detail
The ceiling’s ornate decoration is not just visually stunning but also rich in symbolism. Surrounding the dome are painted panels depicting figures that represent the arts, sciences, and humanities, reflecting the intellectual and cultural aspirations of the Gilded Age. Musical instruments, floral motifs, and mythological themes are woven into the design, emphasizing the building’s dual role as a place of luxury and enlightenment.
A Legacy of Innovation
The Ponce de León Hotel, now Flagler College, was one of the first buildings in the United States to be constructed with poured concrete and equipped with electricity. The combination of cutting-edge technology and Tiffany’s artistic vision made the ceiling a marvel of its time. The integration of natural light and gilded embellishments created a space that was both functional and awe-inspiring.
Tribalism is rooted in our evolutionary past, where group cohesion was essential for survival. Early humans relied on tight-knit groups for protection, shared resources, and collective problem solving. Loyalty ensured mutual support and increased the chances of survival, while the "us versus them" mindset served as an adaptive tool for recognizing potential threats from outsiders.
In modern times, the same instincts often lead to political polarization, cultural conflicts, online echo chambers, and stereotyping. Excessive group loyalty can hinder critical thinking and empathy, resulting in scapegoating and demonizing those outside one's circle. Overcoming these challenges requires fostering empathy, focusing on shared goals, encouraging critical thinking, and promoting inclusive narratives that bridge divides and nurture mutual respect.
When the Spanish arrived in 1565 to establish St. Augustine, they encountered the Timucua, a Native American people. Through collaboration and shared knowledge, they profoundly influenced one another.
The Timucua were instrumental in helping the Spanish settlers adapt to Florida’s challenging environment. Their knowledge of local plants, animals, and seasonal changes enabled the Spanish to establish a foothold in the region. For example, the Timucua taught the Spanish how to cultivate corn, squash, and beans, known as the "Three Sisters" of Indigenous agriculture.
Additionally, the Timucua introduced the Spanish to fishing and hunting techniques that were suited to the area. They showed settlers how to navigate Florida’s intricate waterways, including the rivers and swamps surrounding Saint Augustine. Without this guidance, the Spanish would have struggled to find food or avoid dangerous areas.
Spanish Influence on Timucua Life
The Spanish brought new technologies and tools that reshaped Timucua life. Iron tools, such as axes and knives, made farming and construction more efficient, while glass beads and other goods became highly sought after in trade. Spanish livestock, including pigs and cattle, were introduced, changing the way the Timucua accessed and consumed meat.
Religion also became a significant influence. The Spanish sought to convert the Timucua to Christianity, establishing missions like Mission Nombre de Dios, which was the first mission in what is now the United States. Over time, many Timucua adopted Christian practices, though often blending them with their traditional spiritual beliefs.
The Art of Diplomacy and Conflict
Cultural exchange wasn’t always peaceful. Early on, the Timucua and Spanish established trade relationships and alliances. However, as Spanish demands grew and Indigenous populations were decimated by disease, conflicts arose. The Timucua resisted forced labor and the imposition of Spanish authority, leading to uprisings and strained relationships.
Despite these tensions, moments of cooperation remained. Timucua leaders like Chief Saturiwa negotiated with Spanish officials, balancing diplomacy with resistance to preserve their people and culture.
