11.19.2010
FOR THE GUY WHO HAS EVERYTHING
MORE FROM THE CLOUD...
CLOUDWARE...in the cloud... you've likely heard this before. It's the new trend in things that are actually old. Cloud computing is actually a phoenix-like rebirth of NETWORK computing. Lo all those years ago when the computer market traveled the route of the PC (personal computer) over the NC (network computer)-- primarily due to the limitations of networking technology.
Flash forward to the post-internet world, and network computing starts (just the genesis mind you) to make sense. As Larry Ellison (Oracle) once famously stated, 'why go and buy software and manuals printed on paper, packaged in a cardboard box, stocked on shelves? With all the time delays from the release date and additional cost and manufacturing overhead that brings? Why not use network software, and instantly have updates?
Admittedly, it is still in its infancy. But check out this plethora of cloudware that can replace software for about 80% of the average users. Imagine substitutes for Photoshop, Illustrtator, Powerpoint, Soundbooth, Acrobat, Word, and many others! Very very nice. Mostly free.
CLOUDWARE LINK
10.30.2010
Something Useless (in time for Halloween)
Sometimes the apps on here are incredibly useful. Other times...eh... not-so-much.
So here's "iStache." Totally useless, yet strangely therapeutic. Enjoy sensibly.
So here's "iStache." Totally useless, yet strangely therapeutic. Enjoy sensibly.
DESIGN DISCIPLINE: ARCHITECTURE
Design is basically problem-solving. The sphere within which problems are solved is the variable to the constants shared among the various design disciplines.
Like many others who have been educated as designers, I have a fascination with design as a general overarching discipline. I don't claim any kind of expertise in any of the other design sub-disciplines, (other than my own) but I love experiencing good design: products, interiors, clothing, gastronomics, transportation, and the foundation (pardon the pun) of good design--architecture.
While reading the regular array of magazines (print as well as online), I absolutely became enchanted with two architectural designs. They each embody what I identify with as the discipline of design.
The SKY RANCH
in Seattle (Miller/Hull) takes advantage of otherwise unused space to create an economical and efficient living space with amazing advantages (and in the case of Sky Ranch, stunning views). With literally millions of unused square feet of space above warehouse and production facilities, the elegant solution looks to the natural symbiosis. A simple rethinking of the traditional setting for a home: retain the desireable traits, while using the item in surplus (unused space) as the staring point for solving the problem. See more about the Sky Ranch here.
The ROLLING HUTS (Olson Kundig) are equally as clever. A solutionequally as beautiful and elegant as the Sky Ranch, yet with its genesis more evolved from commercial pragmatism, the huts were created to make rentable vacation cabins in the Methow Valley of Washington. The 200 plus square feet glassed cabins (nicknamed the herd) feel incredibly more spacious with the open planned layout. The wheels on the huts and small footprint, while being incredibly smart, were actually a solution to land zoned only for trailers. Check out more about the HUTS at this link.
Like many others who have been educated as designers, I have a fascination with design as a general overarching discipline. I don't claim any kind of expertise in any of the other design sub-disciplines, (other than my own) but I love experiencing good design: products, interiors, clothing, gastronomics, transportation, and the foundation (pardon the pun) of good design--architecture.
While reading the regular array of magazines (print as well as online), I absolutely became enchanted with two architectural designs. They each embody what I identify with as the discipline of design.
in Seattle (Miller/Hull) takes advantage of otherwise unused space to create an economical and efficient living space with amazing advantages (and in the case of Sky Ranch, stunning views). With literally millions of unused square feet of space above warehouse and production facilities, the elegant solution looks to the natural symbiosis. A simple rethinking of the traditional setting for a home: retain the desireable traits, while using the item in surplus (unused space) as the staring point for solving the problem. See more about the Sky Ranch here.
The ROLLING HUTS (Olson Kundig) are equally as clever. A solutionequally as beautiful and elegant as the Sky Ranch, yet with its genesis more evolved from commercial pragmatism, the huts were created to make rentable vacation cabins in the Methow Valley of Washington. The 200 plus square feet glassed cabins (nicknamed the herd) feel incredibly more spacious with the open planned layout. The wheels on the huts and small footprint, while being incredibly smart, were actually a solution to land zoned only for trailers. Check out more about the HUTS at this link.
10.18.2010
SIMPLE IDEA...SIMPLY AWESOME....
found while culling the net one night...
simple idea, with awesome application
simple idea, with awesome application
10.17.2010
I KEEP FORGETTING...
Who couldn't improve their memory? A lot of research shows that people are more forgetful than ever... and there isn't a week that goes by where I don't overhear a student complaining about having to remember things.
There was a slower-paced time (before cell phones and wikipedia), where gratification came slowly. Back when we used to have to walk 5 miles to school (in the snow, uphill--both ways;-), we had to remember a lot of miscellaneous stuff! Phone numbers, addresses, and directions that used to swim in our heads have all gone into computers, PDA devices, and cell phones. With the convenience of technology crossing roads with the responsibility and expectations (of ourselves and externally of those around us) to remember ever more.
There is a neat blog that has proposed the premise is as much structural as it is individual. The way you learn to remember, as well as issues like sleep, nutrition, and stress all play a part. Check out this neat site for 10 ways to "Hack" your memory.
lifehacker:hack your memory
There was a slower-paced time (before cell phones and wikipedia), where gratification came slowly. Back when we used to have to walk 5 miles to school (in the snow, uphill--both ways;-), we had to remember a lot of miscellaneous stuff! Phone numbers, addresses, and directions that used to swim in our heads have all gone into computers, PDA devices, and cell phones. With the convenience of technology crossing roads with the responsibility and expectations (of ourselves and externally of those around us) to remember ever more.
There is a neat blog that has proposed the premise is as much structural as it is individual. The way you learn to remember, as well as issues like sleep, nutrition, and stress all play a part. Check out this neat site for 10 ways to "Hack" your memory.
lifehacker:hack your memory
10.08.2010
Ridiculously cool timewaster...mac only
I debated sharing this one, but if you own later-model macbook laptops, these are just way too slick to not check out. Those that are programming savvy may wish to look at them from a development standpoint as well.
They take advantage of the motion-sensors (accelerometers) built into the macs and ipods/iphones. They let you do semi-useful things like check for level using your computer, and play the old standby pong (youngsters...believe it or not, we use to waste hours playing pong back in the day and while waiting at airports), and many other newer games based on the accelerometer.
pong
bubblegym
bubble level
They take advantage of the motion-sensors (accelerometers) built into the macs and ipods/iphones. They let you do semi-useful things like check for level using your computer, and play the old standby pong (youngsters...believe it or not, we use to waste hours playing pong back in the day and while waiting at airports), and many other newer games based on the accelerometer.
pong
bubblegym
bubble level
Photos here...get your red hot photos...
Students working on projects are constantly looking for photographic sources for classroom project work. Typically, students having grown up on the internet will casually right-click a photo they wish to use while browsing on the internet and "steal" it.
While temptingly easy to do (and oft-practiced)...this should be discouraged by all instructors, and approached askance by student peers. Many will mistakenly cite "fair use" copyright law and others will vehemently cling onto arguments of "public access" and/or "public domain." These are both 100% incorrect conclusions of existing law---and despite the odds against it, you CAN be sued. This doesn't even include concerns about the quality (resolution, compression, and format of said images).Instead, using licensed sources is best practice.
But what of students or institutions with limited budgets? There are several sources (many low cost or free). The tradeoff here is that the user needs to be familiar with the rights usage on the free files (most are free only for non-profit activity, or with permissions requested). But the collection listed in the blog below will give you an excellent start for image creation.
free-stock-photos-online
While temptingly easy to do (and oft-practiced)...this should be discouraged by all instructors, and approached askance by student peers. Many will mistakenly cite "fair use" copyright law and others will vehemently cling onto arguments of "public access" and/or "public domain." These are both 100% incorrect conclusions of existing law---and despite the odds against it, you CAN be sued. This doesn't even include concerns about the quality (resolution, compression, and format of said images).Instead, using licensed sources is best practice.
But what of students or institutions with limited budgets? There are several sources (many low cost or free). The tradeoff here is that the user needs to be familiar with the rights usage on the free files (most are free only for non-profit activity, or with permissions requested). But the collection listed in the blog below will give you an excellent start for image creation.
free-stock-photos-online
9.28.2010
FLASH OR NOT TO FLASH...That is the question...
(aka everything new is old again...)
I am not a high-end, programming-degreed web designer.
I am a graphic designer who (like many my age) has been retrofitted to do the web. Today's designers must tackle a variety of media, rather than falling back solely upon print as we had in a bygone era.
Anyone with a pedigree to web prior to 92 or 93 is likely a Computer Science major. Funny thing is that it feels like the web has been around forever... but it wasn't until the senate bill in 95 passed that it became the bona-fide commercial communication tool. Thus came my first HTML class was with fellow instructor Robbie Suhr, back in 1998 on the Marquette Campus. We were in an HTML 3-4 class, with a bunch of other post-bac adults boning up on the early world of HTML. Pages were static, and had the design sensibilities of a grade-school primer.
Then came newer technologies. We both invested in Macromedia's (later Adobe's) Flash. But over time, it seems that the technology (as well as the demands upon it) keeps increasing, shifting, and becoming more heady.
Now it seems that Flash has some security holes to it. So many concerns that Apple prefers not to support it with the iPad, iPods, and iPhones...despite a long time relationship with Adobe.
There are, however, alternate technologies. jQuery, java, CSS, and the looming change in HTML standards could make things a non-issue. Here are two sites that you may find helpful if you (like me- a designer who happens to do some web) are looking to avoid some of the Flash that may or may not be in the future of the web. (The Smash Blog itself is an awesome all-around resource for design technology in general btw)
jQuery techniques
CSS techniques
I am not a high-end, programming-degreed web designer.
I am a graphic designer who (like many my age) has been retrofitted to do the web. Today's designers must tackle a variety of media, rather than falling back solely upon print as we had in a bygone era.
Anyone with a pedigree to web prior to 92 or 93 is likely a Computer Science major. Funny thing is that it feels like the web has been around forever... but it wasn't until the senate bill in 95 passed that it became the bona-fide commercial communication tool. Thus came my first HTML class was with fellow instructor Robbie Suhr, back in 1998 on the Marquette Campus. We were in an HTML 3-4 class, with a bunch of other post-bac adults boning up on the early world of HTML. Pages were static, and had the design sensibilities of a grade-school primer.
Then came newer technologies. We both invested in Macromedia's (later Adobe's) Flash. But over time, it seems that the technology (as well as the demands upon it) keeps increasing, shifting, and becoming more heady.
Now it seems that Flash has some security holes to it. So many concerns that Apple prefers not to support it with the iPad, iPods, and iPhones...despite a long time relationship with Adobe.
There are, however, alternate technologies. jQuery, java, CSS, and the looming change in HTML standards could make things a non-issue. Here are two sites that you may find helpful if you (like me- a designer who happens to do some web) are looking to avoid some of the Flash that may or may not be in the future of the web. (The Smash Blog itself is an awesome all-around resource for design technology in general btw)
jQuery techniques
CSS techniques
9.18.2010
SUPPLEMENTAL DESIGN LESSONS...FREE
In addition to the superb education students get in an organized college setting, there are plenty of supplemental sites that offer additional direction (even 'lessons') in visual communications (Graphic Design). Some are pay sites, some are sample sites, and some are totally free.
While the depth and breadth of the sites may not be inline with a traditional classroom, they are great resources for students. You won't necessarily be able to raise your hand and get help, but what you get in return is a superb reference for some of the basics (many applied specifically to the web).
I will also note that not everything is totally in line with what I hold to be applicable to type and design, but it is nice to have!
50-totally-free-lessons-in-graphic-design
While the depth and breadth of the sites may not be inline with a traditional classroom, they are great resources for students. You won't necessarily be able to raise your hand and get help, but what you get in return is a superb reference for some of the basics (many applied specifically to the web).
I will also note that not everything is totally in line with what I hold to be applicable to type and design, but it is nice to have!
50-totally-free-lessons-in-graphic-design
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