Thoughts on Preciousness and Simplicity

The term "precious" has some negative connotations, but I've been thinking about it in the context of Japanese design (prompted by surfing this site: http://www.jetro.org/trends/food.php)

You see it in food, design, and other almost ritualistic aspects of culture in Japan. I do think you appreciate things more when there are fewer of them -- the perceived value of small packages and so forth.

The same is true for product design, and products in general: having fewer products in your house, but having them be better ones, is a simple pleasure and almost an art.

Enjoying minimalism is a simple pleasure in this consumerist age-- and simplicity is a worthy pursuit whether you are working on a website, product, or...just life.

However, it's something that ironically takes a lot of work-- and isn't always simple!

Creative 3D Environment for Kids

I was just thinking that there isn't enough cool 3D stuff out there that is designed specifically for kids: but there is. Edusim is a virtual world for kids, supposed to be used in the classroom. Check it out:


Edusim is a free opensource 3D virtual world specifically for your classroom interactive whiteboard. Edusim is a powerful way to engage your students by bringing a 3D virtual environment that allows direct haptic manipulation of the 3D virtual learning objects directly from the interactive whiteboard surface. Edusim is extendable allowing multiple classrooms to connect their interactive whiteboards for collaborative learning session.

Data Art Made of...SHEEP!!

Artist Aaron Koblin's collection of 10,000 sheep, all drawn by random strangers through Amazon's labor distribution mechanism, The Mechanical Turk, where each person was paid 2 cents for their contribution.

The result is an amusing (and quite beautiful!) work of art. See more on his site.

iPhone + LEGO = 2 of my favorite things

The LEGO Touch is a concept which lets you play LEGO bricks on your iPhone with the multi-touch capability of the touchscreen of your iPhone or iPod Touch. It's an idea developed by PlayNYC. In theory, you could use any LEGO brick, which you choose via a “Brick-Bin” that shows you all the available pieces in a ‘Cover Flow’ style. It makes great use of the touch-screen functionality. Also, you can send your LEGO masterpiece to your friends via SMS or email.

The LEGO Touch app also allows you to enter various LEGO building competitions. The demo is a bit weird, but you can see it here. Of course, this has nothing to do with the LEGO company but I thought it was a fun idea.

via techchee

An Absurd Look at Technology

This hilarious video speaks to pretty much anyone who has ever used a computer (or helped someone else with a computer issue). It shows a medieval guy asking for help with using a book for the first time. Talk about "user issues"!



thanks to michael g for the link

Freelancers: check out Wor.kaholi.com iPhone Web App

I've been using this time tracking iPhone web app like crazy and really love it.

A simple, intuitive, tool to make tracking client, project and workflow time convenient and simple. Perfect for all types of freelance and paid by time applications. Even works great to quickly monitor your current workday totals (then view a report to check timecard accuracy)!

Manage multiple projects for many clients all through one simple interface.

Time can be displayed as simple reports showing total project commitment or in an expanded chronological format showing each work period’s contribution.
Details

link only works on iPhone:
URL:
WorKaholiCom Time Tracker

To start using it, go to Web Apps in your iPhone bookmarks. You can add the icon to your home screen too.

Thanks to whoever made this. There's just one little thing I would love to be able to see "just today" -- instead of the last 30 days -- for each client.

SpaceTime 3D Browser from Microsoft

...reminds me suspiciously of Apple's Time Machine but check out this video anyway:
http://www.spacetime.com/

the reflections give it away: definitely copying Apple Design-- but who isn't these days?

Nike and Apple Make iPod Compatible With Gym Equipment

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080304/nike_apple_gym.html?.v=1

SWEET!! This is a great idea. I know it's mostly a business decision, but I feel really hopeful when I see technology being used to promote health.

Not that I go to the gym much now that I live in San Francisco and can run outdoors.