Haraldur Thorleifsson, CEO and founder of Ueno, shared an inspiring story on designing Google Santa Tracker. His story coming via a Twitter thread also encourages other start-ups and entrepreneurs to never be hesitant about pitching their ideas.
Google Santa Tracker is a Christmas-themed entertainment programme that comes up every year. Users can use it to follow Santa Claus’ movement on December 24 every year. Although it officially starts working on Christmas eve, users can play games, watch videos and learn through some other activities related to the festival before then.
Haraldur said that seven years ago when Google put out the call for designers he had been among the several others contacted. However, recognizing the chance he had, he went the extra mile. While others were content with the idea of just a map, he wanted something more.
The Santa on a map thing was cool but I didn’t think it was enough.
I wanted to build excitement with kids leading up to the 24th. I wanted it to be a unique experience.
I wanted to create a world. And I only had a few days to prove I should be the person to do it.
— Halli (@iamharaldur) December 24, 2019
He said he wanted to ‘create a world’ and with the few days he had, Haraldur offered an illustrator all his money. With his own $1,000, he and the illustrator created a prototype that convinced Google supervisors.
Despite this early breakthrough, time was also against them. Christmas was in three months and Google developers said the design would take between six to nine months to be completed.
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Not to be discouraged, Haraldur offered another $1,000 to another developer. He did not have the money but hoped to get the contract. In just three days their functional prototype convinced the right people and he got the project.
It was a Thursday. Again.
I called around and found a developer. I offered him another $1000. Money I didn’t have.
Over 3 days we built a proof of concept. A fully functional prototype.
On Monday we shared it with Google and I said, this can be done.
/8
— Halli (@iamharaldur) December 24, 2019
He ended the thread by stating that the response and feedback he got was mind-blowing. The experience also gave him, who was usually hesitant, confidence to start his own design company, Ueno.
Looking back, that experience gave me the confidence to start my own agency.
One year later Ueno was created.
Santa Tracker is still a thing. Every Christmas it goes back online with new additions and every year I’m excited to see it.
/14
— Halli (@iamharaldur) December 24, 2019
Lastly, Haraldur Thorleifsson tweeted:
For me it was a once in lifetime opportunity and it changed my life.
Anyway, Feliz Navidad from lovely Mexico City!
And remember, you only get a few breaks in life, when you see them, grab on and don’t let go no matter what happens.
/end
— Halli (@iamharaldur) December 24, 2019
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