I've turned the popular Creative Whack Pack card deck into an iPhone app. Go here for more information.
I spent the past three months working on it with Phil Dhingra, an Austin developer. It was a fun and energizing experience.
Like the card deck, the App consists of 64 creativity strategies that will provoke and inspire your thinking.
But App contains many, many more stories, examples, illustrations, and questions. In addition, it has features such as a "Whack of the Day," creative workshops, and an in-depth Index for quick strategy retrieval.
Lots of playability! Use it by yourself or with others!
Apple was really good to work with on this project. I had been an Apple developer in the early 90s, and back then Apple seemed out-of-touch and arrogant. On this go around, it has been significantly easier to create product with them.
I'm quite happy with the result. Go ahead check it out: info.
Here's a very nice review by Chuck Frey at Innovation Tools: The Creative Whack Pack Makes an Impressive Transition to iPhone/iTouch Platform.
David Armano at Logic + Emotion had some good things to say here A Creativity Workshop in Your Pocket and here.
Also Free Mac Blog and Lateral Action
Great to see you back, Roger.
Looks like you've been busy! I've got an iPhone, and I'm heading over to the App Store now to get this puppy.
Posted by: Erik Lauter | 27 March 2009 at 04:07 PM
Welcome back, Roger!
Now, if I only had an iPhone!!!
All the best.
Posted by: Randy Bosch | 29 March 2009 at 07:16 AM
I love my Whack Pack App! I just made a decision by letting go of the one part of my issue I thought was most important. When I let it go, the pieces fell together nicely. This is a direct application of the card, "Don't fall in Love with Ideas."
The more I use the CWP App, the more my mind is "reprogrammed" with useful and fun strategies to create what I desire!
Since my iPhone is with me most of the time, I have easy access to this mind stimulant. It is the perfect upper when waiting for someone or pausing between activities.
Posted by: Wendy | 29 March 2009 at 02:00 PM
Damn. No joy for Windows mobile users like me.
Now I understand the merits of universally usable products like the good ol' card deck.
Posted by: Venusforce | 30 March 2009 at 04:52 AM
Why not a regular Windows App as well? I don't have an iPhone.
Posted by: GeekTieGuy | 30 March 2009 at 09:06 AM
@Randy: the CWP is a good reason to get an iPhone!
@Wendy: looks like the Creative Whack Pack app is a good friend for you!
@Venusforce and GTG: Maybe in the future!
Posted by: Roger von Oech | 30 March 2009 at 03:31 PM
CAn you use this on the G1 Google phone?
Posted by: Rich Carr | 06 April 2009 at 01:43 PM
@ Rich: No, you can't use the Creative Whack Pack iPhone app on Android smartphones — only on iPhones.
Perhaps, in the future, we create an Android version if we think the market is there.
Thanks for asking!
Posted by: Roger von Oech | 06 April 2009 at 01:52 PM
I own both Kick and Whack..the books are almost falling apart I've had them so long. Fantastic. And good that you're sharing your excellent ideas to a whole new bunch. I wanna get an iPhone now!!!
Posted by: adchick | 06 April 2009 at 08:48 PM
Hi Adchick,
Thanks for the very kind words. Yes, iPhones are fun and practical.
Posted by: Roger von Oech | 07 April 2009 at 08:18 AM
I've owned the card pack for years, and have used the cards at various times, but they never seem to be available when I need them -- or I forget they exist when I most need them. :-)
I bought the iPhone app yesterday, and have been playing with it on and off ever since. I LOVE IT. I'm sure it will continue to be a source of excitement, inspiration and motivation to me. Great work, and thank you so much.
Posted by: Angela Booth | 30 May 2009 at 03:02 PM
I would very much like to have an Android version of the Creative Whack Pack.
Posted by: Martin | 27 May 2010 at 10:30 PM
Great thing i have an iphone and i love it! It would also be good if its compatible with android.
Posted by: deck builder toronto | 23 February 2011 at 12:55 AM