Chasing a single source of truth

With his black outfit, Jon Holt is more likely to be recognized as a magician than a system engineer. Actually, he’s both.

Let’s start with the magic. This is the stuff he uses to inspire. As a professional magician, he performs at music festivals and various science and technology events, using magic, mind reading and sometimes escapology to explain engineering principles. “We do things that are based on mathematics, science and memory techniques. I try, for instance, to explain to people how important visualization is, as a design concept.” He smiles: “There’s a selfish aspect. I enjoy it as well. Give me an opportunity to show off and I’ll take it.”