Reinier Ladan Blog

Tress, the accidental captain of the Two Cups

2026-01-07T00:00:00Z

Tress, the accidental captain of the Two Cups

📝 Reinier Ladan - Wednesday January 7, 2026

In a galaxy far far away, on a planet with twelve very unique pentagonal shaped seas, there is a captain sailing the Emerald Sea. A sea made out of spores, where each single spore contains an enormous amount of power which is released when it touches water. On this treacherous see, where rain storms are not frequent but definitely not absent, Tress is the captain of the Two Cups.

Artwork by Howard Lyon.

She was not always a captain though. She started her life as a simple peasant who cleaned windows for a living and was actually called Glorf. She was happy on her island and never saw the need to cross an ocean. But that need changed very quickly once her friend Charlie was kidnapped by a sorceress who happened to live on an island in the most dangerous seas of all twelve.

Tress is the main character of the book Tress of the Emerald Sea, a book written by Brandon Sanderson. Brandon wrote it as a hobby project for his wife during the Covid lockdowns. For his fans, this was a total surprise. And he not only wrote this book, he also wrote three others in secret. With these books Brandon created the most successful Kickstarter of all time.

The story of Tress is nowhere near my personal story, but what we have in common is that we both stumbled upon our profession accidentally. It was never my career choice to become a product manager. I didn't see a career, I saw need. I became an accidental product manager and I quite like it. Tress never had the desire to become a captain, but circumstances eventually compelled her to take on the role she was made to be.

Tress's origin story draws inspiration from the movie The Princess Bride. Brandon Sanderson asked himself "What if Buttercup (the actual hero of the movie) was more proactive?" And if you want find out what a more proactive Buttercup would do, you have to RAFO.

Tress and the Emerald Sea book cover

Go read the book, it's a fun, light and very entertaining read and has a whopping 4,5 stars on Goodreads. 📗 Tress of the Emerald Sea.

Favorite sci-fi books read in 2024

2024-12-30T00:00:00Z

Favorite sci-fi books read in 2024

📝 Reinier Ladan - Monday December 30, 2024

When it comes to reading, I’m a very picky person. I only read sci-fi and fantasy books to get my head out of this world and into a more focused state. The real world is not something I run away from, but it’s healthy (I think) to reflect on the real world by way of looking at it from a distance. Sci-fi and fantasy offer this distance when discussing major topics that would feel far too heavy when set in stories about this fragile planet we live on.

Mercy of Gods

Short synopsis: On the remote planet of Anjiin, humanity lives under the looming shadow of the hive-like Carryx empire and their ancient war that spans the galaxy. When the Carryx enslave the brightest minds—including ordinary assistant Dafyd Alkhor—and force them into a brutal competition against other captive species, extinction hovers at every turn. Caught between a suicidal human rebellion and the implacable wills of countless alien foes, Dafyd’s desperate gambit to survive will make him both humanity’s champion and its ultimate betrayer.

I thoroughly enjoyed the previous series of the author James S.A. Corey (which is actually two authors), The Expanse, so I was a bit hesitant to start reading this first book in a new series The Mercy of Gods. But it did not disappoint at all.

The scale of the world and the narrative is, again, enormous and you really feel it. Humanity is such a small grain of sand in the universe and this book hits you in the face with it.

The Long Way To a Small, Angry Planet

Short synopsis: Rosemary Harper joins the aging Wayfarer looking for a fresh start and finds a ragtag crew that quickly begins to feel like family. Together, they tunnel wormholes across the galaxy, facing unexpected dangers that test their trust and loyalty. Amid the chaos of deep space, Rosemary discovers that relying on others—and finding where she truly belongs—might be the greatest adventure of all.

I finally came around reading the books in The Wayfarers series from Becky Chambers. I tried the first book (The Long Way To a Small, Angry Planet) a couple of times in the past, but never got further than the first couple of chapters. It just didn’t click for me. Until this year.

Within a couple of months I read all the books in the series and it was such a delightful experience. Each book is unique in its own way and not a direct sequel to the previous one. They are loosely connected.

You could almost categorize these books as ‘cozy sci-fi’ except for the fact that each of these books had a very impactful gut punch that definitely didn’t feel cozy. Because of the cozy nature of most of the books, these gut punches came in hard.

Infinity Gate

Short synopsis: The Pandominion is a trading and political alliance across a million versions of Earth, all linked through inter-dimensional travel. When a dangerous AI emerges that could unravel everything they've built, the Pandominion vows to destroy it by any means necessary—even if it means sacrificing countless human lives. Scientist Hadiz Tambuwal, searching for a way to save her own dying planet, becomes caught in this ruthless war and must choose a side before it costs her everything.

Infinity Gate was such a beautiful combination of serious sci-fi and whimsical world building. Like a mashup of Guardians of the Galaxy, The Fifth Element and Star Trek. The hopping between worlds, alternative histories of Earth, was such a joy. The differences in societies, the scale of it all, the treatment of AI, all things that got stuck in my head for months after reading the book.

A common theme in these books

These books were of a completely different kind, but they still share a certain vision on humanity from the point of view of aliens. And with that view it’s hard to keep a human-focused view on earth in this reality. How we treat this planet, the animals we share this planet with and nature / climate as a whole. We’re such a bunch of assholes, toying with our own future, caring nothing for next generations. Maybe not a thing that every reader gets out of these books, but I surely did.

An introduction to my keymap 'Qweighteen'

2023-06-19T00:00:00Z

An introduction to my keymap 'Qweighteen'

📝 Reinier Ladan - Monday June 19, 2023

The last several years I've messed around with mechanical keyboards, ergonomic keyboards, and designing my own keymaps. The current state of this journey is that I've settled down on a 38-key keyboard (the Geist Totem), on which I only use 32 keys. The main focus of the keymap is the 18 keys that are the most comfortable to type on for me.

The name Qweighteen is a combination of 'qwerty' and 'eighteen'. The keymap lets me use a full QWERTY layout while getting used to an 18-key layout on the non-base layers. The idea is to have as little finger travel as possible while still using a base layer (qwerty layout) that I'm familiar with.

It's sort of a halfway point between an 18-key keyboard and a more 'normal' ergonomic setup of 34 keys.

The keymap

This is the visual representation of the keymap and a picture of the hardware I'm using.

Click the keymap to enlarge

To explore the source of the QMK keymap, go to my keymap repository.

Why the Totem keyboard?

The Geist Totem has a nice stagger, a usable splay, it's split into two parts, and has low profile keys. I can use the very light Kailh Choc Pink switches on the keyboard.

The keyboard that I have in front of me is build by the lovely people of keeb.supply, a mechanical keyboard shop in Germany. It's build quality is fantastic and I also use it on the road.

The keycaps that I currently use are the MBK WOG keycaps.

After trying a couple of keyboards over the years (ZSA Moonlander, Boardsource Technik and Microdox, and a couple of Keychrons), I've settled on this one as my daily driver.

Why only 32 keys? The Totem has 38!

While I provide a function to all the 38 keys on the keyboard, I only need and want to use 32 keys on the base layer. The ; and the / keys are on a symbols layer and I've moved the p key to the default right pinky position. All that is left are four thumb keys, dedicated keys for the alphabet and the , and . keys.

What about those 18 keys on the non-base layers?

Except for the base layer I only use 18 keys. It feels extremely comfortable to use only one pinky key per hand and only two keys for the other fingers. Ultimately I would like to be productive with a full 18 key setup, including the base layer. To prepare for that, this is my current compromise.

My inspiration for only using 18 keys is Ben Vallack who explains his setup in this video (he uses only 16 keys in the video, but he since moved to 18 keys). He convinced me that going to around 18 keys is pretty doable and far more comfortable when typing then a 'normal' keyboard. It only takes some time getting used to.

Highlights from the keymap

Base layer

Layer switching is always temporary except for the extend layer. To access a layer, hold the corresponding key. Beside temporarily activating the extend layer you can also switch to and lock the layer by tapping the U, I and O keys simultaneously (combo).

Modifiers are available as hold options on upper row. I have dedicated thumb keys for shift (right hand) and command (left hand, to use with mouse on right). On the hand without the dedicated thumb modifier, the modifier is available on the upper row for the index finger.

I use shift a lot (I write more then I program), so that's why it's the default right thumb key.

Complete overview of the four thumb keys, from left tom right:

Command on hold, one shot Command on tap
Spacebar on tap, hyperkey on hold (actually a meh-key) used for window management with Amethyst
Shift on hold, one shot Shift on tap
Leader key (F19) to activate apps and run commands with Hammerspoon

Symbols layer

On the first symbols layer the symbols are more focussed on writing. On the second layer the symbols are more focussed on programming.

The shift + F19 key is to open the emoji window. I use Keyboard Maestro for different kinds of mappings and scripting, including this one.

Numbers layer

With this layout it's easy to reach the most frequently used numbers while still having it mapped in an intuitive way.

Pressing the pinky to access this layer is not ideal. Still figuring out an elegant solution to this.

Extend layer

I use this layer to navigate with the arrows and to press tab, enter, escape, and backspace. More things this layer is capable of:

F18 is mapped to my screenshot tool
F17 and F20 are available for scripting purposes
Combos on right hand to press mouse buttons. Comes in handy when using the trackpad with my left hand.
Extra alt-key to easily activate when navigating with arrow keys on left middle finger.
Caps Word is a more convenient option compared to Capslock. After you typed a single word in all capital letters, the keyboard automatically returns to lowercase letters. It's a native feature of QMK nowadays.
With the CP key you can absorb a digital object and spit it out again. It's copy paste in one single key. Hold for copy, tap for paste.
DEL key on left hand to use in tandem with a mouse on the right hand.

Now what?

My journey with keyboards and keymaps will continue. My next step would probably be introducing a mouse layer and thinking about a more comfortable switch to the numbers layer. The big step forward will be an 18-key keyboard for which I have made a prototype already by stripping my Microdox down to 18 keys.

Updates

Tuesday June 20, 2023

Click the keymap to enlarge

Introduced a Layer Lock key on the position of the Leader key on the non-base layers. Tap this key and the layer will stay activated until tapped again. This made me able to lock the num layer in an efficient way when needed and because I like symmetry it's available on all the layers. The combo to lock the Extend layer is now gone and I've also added a vanilla spacebar to the extend layer for moving a selection in a graphical editor or screenshot tool.

I've also added a page up and page down key to the Extend layer.

The voyage for better digital products

2023-05-22T00:00:00Z

The voyage for better digital products

Freelancing can be a lonely endeavor. Despite the many advantages it offers, this aspect has been a challenge for me that I've been eager to address. I believe a set of shared values, mutual assistance, and the pursuit of a common objective can be of great professional value.

Fortunately, some fantastic, likeminded, independent thinking people that I've worked with over the past years, asked me to join their co-op. As of now I'm a proud member of Kirk & Blackbeard where we provide hands-on leadership and expert guidance for organizations seeking to craft and grow their digital products. We get stuff done.

We become part of your crew, understanding your unique needs and providing tailored solutions to help you chart a course to digital success. Whether you need the steady hand of a captain or the daring spirit of a pirate, we’re here to support you every step of the way as we navigate the ever-changing digital waters.

And we're open for work. At the very least open for a cup of coffee. Call Kirk and let's get it done.

McDonald’s Theory

2023-03-27T00:00:00Z

McDonald’s Theory

Get a bunch of people together and let them get creative. It doesn't always lead to useful results. But if you give them the right input, you'll get much better outcomes.

I use a trick with co-workers when we’re trying to decide where to eat for lunch and no one has any ideas. I recommend McDonald’s.

An interesting thing happens. Everyone unanimously agrees that we can’t possibly go to McDonald’s, and better lunch suggestions emerge. Magic!

— Jon Bell in McDonald’s Theory.

If you want to get input from a client for a new website or app, it often works the same way. You often get better input if you start sketching and use it as a starting point for the rest of the project. Those sketches will naturally be rejected (just like the idea of going to McDonald's), but that often clarifies what the project is really about.

Time for a new freelance project!

2023-03-07T00:00:00Z

Time for a new freelance project!

Last November (2022), I moved on from my freelance project at DPG Media to take some time off for myself and my family. A long and relaxed Christmas, fooling around with computers and gain some new knowledge. That worked out quite well and I'm pretty much done with it! It's time to start working on a new freelance project again.

Are you looking for a product owner/manager with lots of experience and hands-on knowledge about design and technology? I am available if you have a challenging and inspiring project.

My experience ranges from bootstrapping and improving large public websites and apps (NOS, NPO, Funda, CoronaMelder, NLZiet, DPG Media and Schiphol) to internal design systems to serve large international clients (Backbase) and research projects to develop a digital strategy on (Liberty Global, NRC).

If you need more info or you already know you want to work with me? Contact me for more details.

Making is thinking

2023-01-22T00:00:00Z

Making is thinking

Thinking is as much a thing of the hands as it is of the mind.

When I want to learn something, I usually try to work with the subject instead of thinking about the subject. I think better when I’m also creating. This learning method does not mean that I’m not thinking about the matter at hand, on the contrary. I’m thinking by doing.

A common phrase shared among writers is writing is thinking. Writing is not only the product of your thinking, but it’s also a form of thinking in itself. The act of writing forces you to shape your thoughts into something that can be clearly communicated to others and your future self.

The famous scientist Richard Feynman put it like this:

When historian Charles Weiner looked over a pile of Richard Feynman’s notebooks, he called them a wonderful ‘record of his day-to-day work’. “No, no!”, Feynman objected strongly. “They aren’t a record of my thinking process. They are my thinking process. I actually did the work on the paper.”

Clive Thompson (2014). Smarter Than You Think. p. 7

I think the principle applies even more broadly. I believe that not only writing is thinking but also that making is thinking. When you want to learn what makes a great podcast, create a podcast yourself. More specifically, if you want to know more about the European fire ant, start a podcast about the European fire ant.

On reading sci-fi and fantasy books

2023-01-20T00:00:00Z

On reading sci-fi and fantasy books

Nine years ago, I decided that I needed a hobby to wind down after a day of cracking my brain at work. It had to be something engaging, but it couldn’t feel like work. The perfect solution for me was to start reading sci-fi and fantasy books. Good sci-fi/fantasy books are engaging and — unlike non-fiction — they feel like entertainment.

The realization to start reading sci-fi/fantasy books came when I caught up with the Game of Thrones books. I was so hooked on the tv show that after the first season, I read through all the five A Song Of Ice And Fire books in no-time. I was hungry for more.

I ended up browsing lists and lists of sci-fi/fantasy books on Goodreads, and I picked some recently published ones with a high rating. After a couple of books, I decided that this was my new hobby. It felt great. Why hadn’t I started reading this genre sooner? I always liked sci-fi/fantasy movies and tv series but shied away from the books. Not anymore. I was hooked.

From then on, I also could listen to the back catalog of book episodes from one of my favorite podcasts, The Incomparable. They discuss sci-fi/fantasy books from time to time, but I always skipped those episodes. Now I’m excited when there is an episode where, for example, the panel talks about the nominees for the Hugo Awards.

Some of my favorite books from the last six years:

The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers
Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey. This whole series is awesome.
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. I turned into a Brandon Sanderson fanboy these last six years.

Can't let these books go unmentioned

(last update: 05-04-2023)