Design anywhere digital culture NEWS // March 2006
{pheist}: is
not your average or usual portfolio. Eclectism guaranteed! Lots and lots
of different projects, from fonts to pins, to print to interactive media
to line art illos and exhibits, whereas the personality of author is
always present while letting clients work shine.
Hats off to Stefanie Koener 
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ndle1:
Another of her project, moving
(visitors) is a photo based experiment.
Updated
or new portfolios web sites
to visit:
/
Yippieyea cooperative funky
visual and graphic design eclectism
/
Juju's Delivery nice
illos, Ts, snowboards, wall design and more
/
StoryAbout an eclectic assortment of design projects
ZEDZ is
hibernating, but wait till you see the treasures it holds. First, the
interface design is one of the best interactive screen I've seen for
this kind of explorative displays of artwork.
The whole catalogue of artwork and exhibits soar high with originality,
creativity and stunning treatment!
TAXI
Design Network launches the Press release On the Go sevice for
those who need to announce a new creative arrival or anything that
needs to be voiced out.
On top of writing the press releases, TAXI will also be taking charge
of PR distributions, targeting to spread the word to reputable design
portals, education hubs, varsities and, relevant institutions and companies.
For more info: media@hillscreativearts.com
Google
and the Tyranny of Good Design by Adrian Shaughnessy
“The Google logo — that scrap of oddball typography —
is perhaps the most famous piece of graphic design in the world today.
Google’s corporate value is staggering. Despite a recent dip in
their stock-market value, Google’s financial gigantism places it
alongside some of the biggest corporations in the world. Odd then, that
it should have a folksy logo that looks more like a school project than
the mark of a global corporation. And a logo that changes with astonishing
frequency, too.”
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A short but interesting story about how the lack of good design can
help you become number one.
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ndle1:
via Computerlove who is back online
and now in public beta!
Fugitive
Images is an archive of street art, graffiti and obtrusive messy
conversations held on New York City walls. These styles expose social,
cultural and political dialogues across many neighborhoods.
The web site is organized with a map or topic navigation.
Are
you into toys? From all over the world, designers have found a new venue
to put their creative mark on. Limited edition figurines and way way
more can be found at Magic Pony,
a concept shop and gallery.
If you are in Toronto, check the upcoming shows schedule.
Tagging
falls into the criminal vandalism category in most cities worldwide.
Australia has a slightly different approach, as you can find out in the
book Stencil Graffiti
Capital Melbourne by Jake Smallman & Carl Nyman.
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ndle2:
More info on Stencil Revolution which
claims to be the largest (15,000 registered users) stencil artist resource
on the web.
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ndle3:
Visit the Melbourne Stencil
Festival artist gallery. New event upcoming in May.
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ndle4:
Another book that I'm presently reading is FADINGS.
Graffiti to design, illustration and more by Siggi Schlee which profiles
24 artists that all have roots in graffiti and how they have evolved
and used their talent in commercial and personal work.
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ndle5: In-depth
reviews of my present pile of books will be available soon. Last year
partial pile of books still
valid.
A
mini museum like and curiosity spot of 660 handheld and tabletop games
from the 1970s and 1980s: HANDHELDEN
Belated
but not forgotten! Yesterday was International
Women's Day! Celebrate all women around you: co-workers, friends,
sisters, mothers and lovers!
It's time to show da LUV!!!
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Wanna see who rocks the design scene? Check the Powagirrrls
Frogs
Wanted: Leap into the pond.
If you're smart-working, hard-playing and dedicated, we'll free you
to do the best work of your career.
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ndle1:
Don't know the firm? They've been around! Check their timeline!
One
Page Folios is a new hub built around.. well one page portfolio
sites. Hello and good-bye, it's going to be a long ride.
Flywheels,
Kinetic Energy, and Friction by Nick Usborne
“A great deal of research has been done on shopping cart abandonment.
Typically, when a hundred people start buying something online, of those
who do not complete the purchase, seventy gave up somewhere while on
the shopping cart pages.
Why? Too little energy. Too much friction.”
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ndle1:
Read more of Nick's articles in the Online
Copywriting Archive.
Photo
review of Design Korea 2005 by Mutual
Response who tags under: design your culture. Don't miss The
Things I Love and We Just made Ts exhibits. From Korea
with luv!
Although this flash site is a bit slow to load and is download intensive,
definitely worth a stop and exploring.
Modern?
I luv modern. Architecture is evolving into organic forms and breaking
the boxy grid even within highly populated urban centers. Truly, some
of the most progressive architects are sculpting the landscape,
litterally!
Check NMDA (Neil M. Denari) architects
firm projects (all worth seeing) for stunning examples. The brief describing
projects is comprehensive and well written and makes for, a bonus good
read!
Showing, a fantastic new loft project in NYC and mock up of a concept
hotel.
Like
you've never seen a mouse like this one! From the prodigiously prolific
Art Lebedev studio, here comes Mus2!
More product details?
When
I saw that site, I went oh my gosh - it is so simple and yet, elegant
and beautiful. Honest, I wondered why? Was it that the interface structure
was breathing and oh so well organized? Was it attention to details and
eye candy?
Usually I don't like dark backgrounds - this one, gotta admit, pulls
it. But wait, surprise, it is actually a blog (!) using the Expression
Engine, of which I not familiar with but I know that the Pmachine
(a robust CMS) was at some point recommended to us.
See how she built
it and design process!
Veerle you
rock!
Yes!!! ESCALATE is
relocated under Paul Edward
Fleming site (who is an award winning designer and project curator)!
If you are interested in stop motion, this one's for you. Although project
orignally launched in 2003 and was part of the ESC
DIGITAL ART EXHIBITION in Toronto, it's still relevant and yet to
be matched...
Life goes on is the title of my contribution. Darren Ortiz
whiz scripted it and Dave Brubeck freely lent us the right to music track.
Rediscover again!
New
or recently updated industrial design
web sites:
/
Worrell is dedicated to designing usefull and good looking products
/
Antonio Carusone work & play photography reloaded
/
Mazda5 Quicksilver or how designers dress a car!
Nuts
and bolts! What you need, we've (probably) got it! Our Toolbox is
brimming fulll with resources for code and dev, design and collaboration,
flash and portals.
Equip yourself!
Podcasts? Assets
and presentations from the conference? AIGA 05 reviewed by Kottke.
Part
of the social / community bookmarking hubs that are steady growing on
the Internet like del.icio.us, which
is already very popular, ma.gnolia is
just out of beta and now, Greg Storey has got the design process exposed.
Have a good Fl.ower read!
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ndle1:
Project by the bunch at Happy Cog.
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ndle2:
via: Zeldman
Yoann
Lemoine is an illustrator with fashion flair and urban taste. His
linework is very close to the 50s comic strip style (for composition)
and that of the Art Deco era, which favored the same kind of refinement
and spareness of lines he uses.
I like the quiet confidence his work exudes which balances off perfectly
the humanness and vulnerability some characters display.
Last but no least, his web site interface and navigation is gorgeous.
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ndle1:
via creole.spavia a new hub,
no visuals, just text links and definitely lots of them.
The
Web Developer Handbook is a collection of resources mostly CSS
related and has got loads of links. It similar to our own Toolbox,
to which it is added to.
A
new star ascending: RMK illustrations
are whimsical, strong and tinted with a satirical view of reality. The
sharpness of execution and color mastering indicates greatness in becoming.
His signature is already showing a unique identity and personality.
Someone to watch for.
Deemed
the most radical designer Joshua
Davis was invited by BMW (who seems to have a long tradition of collaboration
with artists) to create a series of posters around one of their new car.
The-making-of-movie is fascinating. Who would not want to pry into his
mind and get a glimpse of the programming / actionscripting base for
his creative process? Well you can now.
Hop over to Z4byJD.
Don't forget to hit the mouse pointer to see how his random script redraws the
background artwork.
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ndle1:
via Diseco
The
Future of the Blog by Reena Jana
“Six Apart's Mena
Trott helped
start the stampede by co-designing user-friendly software. But she
thinks the blogging trend is only just beginning
RJ: What aspects of blog-software do you believe can be improved?
MT: I think blog tools can get easier to use. Putting together a blog
should be as easy as sending an e-mail. I foresee the next versions of
blog tools as focusing less on features that appeal to early adopters.
They'll be easier for people to incorporate more media and maybe mobile
capabilities. This will be important, because many more mainstream users
will come to blogging. I believe the interest in blogging is just starting.”
Democracy
Player - Internet TV Platform - Free and Open Source. Your internet
television has arrived. You can get under the hood: code is 100% open-source.
You can make TV, turn your videos into a channel or
just watch TV!
Bleed states
to have 250 projects, 103 clients and 1576 images in archive! Wow! Certainly
no lack of experience here. Check their manifesto. Way to go!
Not only do they have a fantastic flash web site that is both informative
and explorative (ain't that what new media is about) but the projects
on show are as stunning!
krugle makes
it easy for developers to find source code and technical information—fast!
“For most people, open source is a synonym for free software.
But for programmers, open source is about sharing code, building on the
work of others and not having to reinvent the wheel -- at least, that's
the ideal. In practice, code reuse remains very low, because it's often
too hard for programmers to find relevant bits of code for their applications.”
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ndle1:
via Wired
Q&A
with Zaha Hadid by
Eva Hagberg
“EVA HAGBERG: You’re described as the most famous female
architect—in history. Does the fact that they always have to qualify
it with female bother you?
ZAHA HADID: When
I first started, it bothered me a lot. I thought I should not be known
as a woman architect. But I think my attitude has changed. Only
because if it encourages other women to do architecture and to stick
it out, then I think it’s fine. Then I think it’s worth it”
Identified!!!
Tx to Are Bu Vindenes - the creators behind the little people have
been identified as the French / Japanese fantastic photographer duo Pierre
Javelle and Akiko Ida who
published the project under the name of Minimiam.
These little people are real busy!
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I am a big fan of miniatures. Around my office, I have giga and micro
artefacts that create a scenic sense of space. It serves to remind me
of the value of macro scoping the big picture all the while keeping an
eye to capture small stellar details.
I owe this passion to astronomy and physics sciences (macro) and molecular
biology and elementary particles theory (micro). Anyway I digress.
Heregoes, although there is no information as to who is behind
this project, (if anyone does, please let me know *), whoever enterprised
this completely jaw dropping macro photography project is not only seriously
talented but possibly, a very-very patient person.
Think about it! Where do the figurines come from? That is still
an unanswered question. Have a look. What do you think? Are these part
of some kiddie game?
Were they hand made? Which substance? Porcelain, clay, modelling paste?
That task in itself is worthy of a mountain of praise.
Now what about the set designs? And the lighting? And the just right
camera angle to snap it to life?
Isn't this fantastic or what?
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ndle1:
Björn and I are trying to locate who is behind the project.
If you know, drop me a mail.
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ndle1:
via TWOB
Fontadelicious!
Talking about fonts or made of
fonts!
/
Abstract Fonts
/
Closefonts
/
Fontomas + Fontomas
CD
/
Typebase is a huge database of fonts, foundries and fonts designers.
/
Flash Pixel Fonts
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ndle1:
More fonts in the Design Toolbox
Designboom IMM
Cologne 2006 International Furniture Fair coverage. For all the
industrial and products designers fan. This one is for you!
It's
time for you to apply! Be part of the next generation of Hyper
Island students.
New
arrivage of portfolios websites
from new media to print.
/
Makine Studios lone cowboy and wild web flash(y) interface
/
Oded Ezer typograhic explorations. Shown: Biotypo. Photo: Idan
Gil
/
SM Outdoor check the billboard and cool interface!
/
exo7 advertising and design agency imagining differently
/
Violaine Leroy sweet
illustrations with attitude
5OUP a
creamy mix of fresh talent, is a new web site aimed at student artists
looking to get their work seen online and spreading the word.
Breaking
news! OFFF MX
is cancelled!!!
“The first Mexico City edition of the OFFF festival, a worldwide
known software art and avantgarde digital design event, planned for March
the 2nd, 3rd and 4th, has been cancelled, according to Agencia Azteca's
official sources announcement.”
Blue
Vertigo's presents a selection of the best
motion graphics studios based in Argentina. Heavy download.
Well
this item may turn some heated reactions from those who, as Todd Dominey
recently said, have an:
“...unnecessary
urge to criticize, accuse and ridicule.”
That being said, when I read Cat's review of Netdiver (although we have
debated since if yay or nay Netdiver is indeed a blog (and that's
altogether a different discussion), I was deeply touched and honored.
In my eyes, she had nailed in a couple sentences, what we've been doing
for the past 10 years. Summarized so succinctly, the appreciation went
straight to our heart. Why? Because, I honestly don't have a clue where
and how she gets all the information that makes up a review.. but what
I DO KNOW, is the value in time it takes to do research, and
write.
Careful if tempted by oh no not another of those backslapping site attitude,
her generosity is genuine! And that, in my book, ranks highest!
Designers who Blog by
Catherine Morley
“People have said I'm a bit daft for featuring other
designers, but I look at it more as giving back to the industry.”
Hungry?
Want another b...s sandwich? by Andy Rutledge
“There has been too much nonsense spouted about the effectiveness
of certain successful companies’ websites and it’s time to
correct it. Those who say that poorly designed websites are partly responsible
for some companies’ success are feeding you a load of crap. And
too many of you are eating it up..
..This is commercial success we’re talking about, boys and girls.
In commerce, if your product sucks, you suck.”
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ndle1:
via UX Magazine sets out to explore,
promote & discuss the multiple facets of user experience one article
at a time. It is built upon the foundations of ProjectNeo, a global interactive
design community.
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ndle2:
Following Google
Redux: a design exercise by Andy Rutledge, shows a pretty good redesigned
page.
What
do you think of Internet companies colluding with the Chinese government? by
Mark Glaser
“American companies such as Cisco, Google, Yahoo
and Microsoft are taking a dual — some would say two-faced — approach
to freedom: They believe in global human rights, but are helping the
Chinese government filter and censor the Internet.”
Funny
Garbage is a digital production firm based in NY and LA that combines
the best design and technology with a particular emphasis on media
brands, cable television networks, and cultural organizations, is now
hiring!
Looking for a Director of Technology, Lead Developer and Interactive
Producer. If you've got the chops!
New
arrivage from new media to print portfolios:
/
Loopland Allan Sanders illustration and character cuties are back
/
Arno (dit Nodar) available in black & white and editorial layouts
\ climbX
nice dynamic flash navigation and clean interface
Must
see! The Unseen Video is
the final year project of Daniel Scheibel and is definitely way much
more than a normal, static music video.
The video is affected by the weather and local time from the position
of the viewer. As example the following screen captures are from a static
point in Toronto (a) and actual rendering from my studio (gray).
In Montreal it is presently snowing heavily with gushing winds of 39-49
km/h; the temperature is between -7 / -3 celsius.
The convergence of design, music and technology holds an open field
of possibilities. Isn't this amazing or what?!?!
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ndle1:
The Unseen video is Finalist in the motion graphics category at upcoming FF06.
Well
it's Valentine Day and why not celebrate with what readers LUV or HATE
most of the web right now? Add your voice to the conversation too.
Valentines to
the Web by ALA Gentle Readers
Valentine's
Day Massacre by ALA Gentle Readers
Will
any pitch do? Seems like it! The
Attractive maintains not being with the program and pulls it! Marketing
has changed! Well that's what he claims! Proof in his work?
ndle1:
Well, well, well! Surely, this was going to happen one day or another. Thibaud site
was submitted to Netdiver and a very important detail was omitted: it
is template based..
Do you think I would have included it? For the past 10 years, I've been
championing the value of the new media industry, determined that us,
who work and build the trade, be given professional recognition and a
fair return for our toils and here I go, writing a glowing review - emphasis
on the technical aspects!
Great! Point made, you fooled me!
Not great! You lied.
Great! You forgot that Netdiver audience is a caring bunch (as happened
to identified the Little People creators this week) so someone
reported the 'source' of your website.
In fact, the Kaledi template is
owned by this company who claims giving “the freedom to build and
maintain your website yourself.. in less than 5 min.”
Ok wait again, there is more to it. The 'template' shows in the Video
swatch, excerpts from the video I precisely suggested you watch... Does
it mean this individual who submitted the site is also involved directly
with the template company?
Duh... what a crooked way to get attention..
And wasting my time!
_ _ _ _ _ _
Someone just pointed out that I completely overlooked that Thibaud mentions
being the developer behind the 'template'.
ndle2:
I still hold that in the 'Your words are?' field in our submission form,
he should have stated so, since his source code refers clearly to the
template company.
So either way, it's a no go and no show on Netdiver.
_ _ _ _ _ _
Thibaud is a portfolio website that utilizes color swatches for interface
and navigation!!! Easy? Passé? Then, why not? But, wait there's
more to it. The swatch metaphor is actually working as... a real swatch.
See how it renders and how it pushed interaction scripts to deliver a
technically excellent result.
Oh, and there are the projects he has completed! They match too. Have
a peek at The Flyin Pop awesome animation in the 3D swatch! Pure eye
candy! Check it out.
From Belgium with luv!
Always
anticipated! Smashing and overexceeding projects of tantamount quality,
ingeniosity and creativity. Speed travel through the past year, and rediscover
amazing sites.
Netdiver Best of the Year 2005 (BOTY
05) shortlist released!
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Site of the Year goes to? Short film Delivery
by Till Nowak *
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ndle1:
* Only trailers are available. Full DVD release expected in 2006.
In
the past couple of days, there was a glitch in the galleries when viewed
with IE browsers. Problem fixed, tx to Jo for reporting it. Although
we're extra careful when updating the CSS file to make cross-browser
checks with Browsercam (a great
service btw), sometimes, as little as a one pixel margin can send the
site in disarray.
Don't hesitate to let us know.
Web
Design Times is a web design news, articles, reviews & resources
ladden hub. Luv the visual metaphor with the reassuring daily news feel
and the clean interface.
Added to the Toolbox.
Must
read article! SEO for the new Google by
Dave Davies
“For those whose businesses rely on the Internet to produce revenue
the latest Google update, nicknamed Jagger, was one of the biggest events
in the past couple years (probably since the Florida Update of 2003).
With this 3-part update Google has essentially changed many of the rules
and have thrown the SEO community for a loop..
.. For those seeking high rankings on Google this update and the direction
it predicts for future updates indicates that clean tactics will be necessary.”
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ndle1:
via Web Design Times
How
to get ahead in online news design by Khoi Vinh
By walking to work (2.5 miles x 2)? Noting everything? Plus, upcoming
openings in The New York Times design group he leads.
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ndle1:
Make sure you read the Warning! section carefully!
-> more
news
^
