sidewalk chalk not just for kids...

In an effort to build the biking community, Studio Gelardi (based in Brooklyn) has created the "Contrail."  This contraption attaches to a bike and rubs chalk on the tires so that bikers can leave their trail as they ride.

The chalk comes in a variety of colors.  The purpose of this is not just to create art for bike paths, but to give bicyclists a clearer path on where to ride safely and out of the way of traffic.  Creators are hoping this will "encourage a new cycle of biking participation."

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get warm in style...

Two designers, Bag and Totem, have developed a company called i-radium.  They are coming out with radiator designs that are sleek and modern, designed to not look like a radiator at all!

Their website is still under construction but here are two examples of their designs, ironically called "Bag" and "Totem". (The names of the developers- but also- representative of the designs)

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gateway to design... literally...

It's not very common for doors to be an element of design- but for Iosa Ghini- the possibilities are endless.  Each of his door designs explore a textural approach to the door panel, addressing the potential and material properties of that from which is was created.....

*The Fiorella door was designed to express a concept of lightness on the surface while rendering itself almost invisible to the eye. (The petals mirror an idea of femininity)  Available in 2 styles: an opaque white with engraved lines extended into the frame OR a glazed door that plays on light and shadow.

*The Pia door has a leather surface and contrast quilting (evoking an idea of tailoredness).  Available in either black or sand.  Accompanied by an aluminum frame, this door was designed to be conceptually modern.

*The Graffiata door has an appearance of a linen textile and includes scratched geometric depths.  This was an attempt (according to the designer) to express the true soul of wood.

....Ghini has also collaborated with manufacturers to create a door that addresses security concerns discretely while providing a clean-modern design that can be personalized. (Called the Monolite)

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advances so great- you can touch them!

In the beginning of March, Mitsubishi Electronics unveiled their new 3D touch panel that they hope will increase the functionality of a small screen (enabling no-touch mouseovers and submenu pop-ups).

Enhanced features include icons popping up when a finger approaches the panel.  For example, with a map- icons of landmarks along your destination will pop up and you can click on them for further information.

The product has not yet been commercialized and Mitsubishi is in the process of verifying its resistance to the environment and currently only suitable for mobile/smaller devices.

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hey ladies- take a SEAT...

This year's theme for the 4th Seat/Automagazine Design Contest was to design a car for the modern woman. The winner of this year's contest was a model called "Seat W"by designer Marcelo Aguiar.

The concept behind the model was based on the notion a "woman's independence is strengthened by making everything easy and simple," so here's how Aguiar see's a easy and simple car...

Features:

*storage spaces inside

*partial opening of the trunk

*side doors opening from the center to access the interior easily

*glazed surface "from top to bottom" making it easier to watch everything around

*access to refrigerator liquid, motor oil & windshield liquid without the need to open the hood

*a drawer that carries the spare tire

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i-fixed it!!!!

There is a website now that you can go to that shows you how to fix your gadgets. With this step- by- step breakdown, you don't have to wait days ( or even weeks) anymore to get your gadgets fixed. It's called ifixit.

For the most part, all repair directions are for Macs, ipods and iphone products. (All versions) There is also a discussion forum where people can talk about any issues they have with products so you can see you're not the only one!

This do-it-yourself website also gives you the tools you will need to fix/repair a product and a "parts" link where you can order parts for your gadget that need to be replaced.

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pics for assignment #2

your own personal flying machine, all you need is 140K!

The personalized flying aircraft is here. Probably the closest thing to a flying car, with beautiful interior, was created to boost consumer recreational flying and enhance the flight experience. As long as you have your sport flying license, which according to ICON- can be achieved in a quick and easy five step process, you're good to go!

The website explains it all, including safety features, ICON specifications, interior and exterior photos, how ICON can fit into your lifestyle and a flight test video. Even if you have no intentions of putting down the $5,000 to reserve yours (or spending $139,000 to own it), it's worth checking out the website.


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bye-bye textbooks, hello kindle...

Amazon launched Kindle2, a portable reading device with the ability to wirelessly download books, blogs, magazines, and newspapers. Often referred to as the "ipod of reading," Kindle allows users to view "paper" publications for a fraction of the cost.

The product's website provides further information, including where you can purchase one of your own as well as view an video demonstration. (Be aware, the price currently starts at $230.00)

I'm actually not surprised that this device was created. I knew that someday books would be obsolete, especially with the growing popularity of going green and saving a tree. Its also not a secret that newspapers and magazines have been struggling with circulation now that almost all of their articles can be viewed online.

For those who seek information at their fingertips, Kindle (and other versions sure to come) is your answer. The reality of ever-growing ways to get information faster and easier is here to stay. And although it is not here yet, I'm sure one day there will be a device that combines a Kindle, ipod, cell phone, camera and the internet all in one. What will they think of next?

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peepoo- yes it's true...

The sanitation crises in third world countries was in need of a solution. According to co-designer of the peepoo bag, Peter Thuvander,

"approximately 2.6 billion people lack sanitation. (in developing countries) The consequences of this are horrific. One child in the world dies every 15 seconds due to contaminated water."

The overall concept of this bag is to break down urine and feces so that overtime they can be used as manure. The product was tested on a large-scale and has already produced positive results in Kibera and Kenya. Also because large companies such as BASF, national development agencies, and The UNSG's Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation are promoting the product- funding and pricing aspects have been falling into place.

Billions of people just got their own toilet... congrats.

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toyota's future...

Toyota has launched a website to show people how the corporation is preparing for the future. On this website people can browse through three different sections...

*Future on Your Street- characters roam the streets of this interactive media asking
people what their ideas and hopes are for the future of technology.
*Future College- lectures are available for viewers like how to be a safer driver and the
new discoveries on electric vehicles.
*Technologies Library- all the latest technologies with descriptions and details of research
& development.
*Toyota TV- movies about future technologies.

Its interesting to see where innovators see our world headed in the future, especially with mobility, and it's comforting to know that the challenges that our world will have to overcome have not gone unnoticed- and there are people out there ready to face them.

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presenting tips for the presenter...

Given that our class partly consists of presenting our blogs... Seth Godin has posted advice for people giving presentations.  According to Godin, all you need is:

1. Respect (from the audience)

2. Love (for the audience)

The key to mastering these tips is realizing you can't have one without the other, nor can you give a successful presentation.

He also pointed out something which I think is a common mistake most presenters make, APOLOGIZING! Don't apologize for anything in the beginning of your speech. Let the audience make their opinions based upon your presentation and how you present it.

Also key- focus on the audience, not your presentation.

Try it out, see how it works ;)

Class Notes

Spectrum... 

red-------> cyan

green----> magenta

blue------> yellow

Music As A Marketing Tool

There's no surprise that music has been a huge influence within our culture, but surprisingly enough, using music as a marketing tool is a common way that most do not realize.

First, there's music and movies. Having a hit soundtrack to market a film never hurts, in most cases it can create popularity, and when someone hears a particular song- the image of a scene can easily come to mind. For example, "Staying Alive" by the Bee Gees takes many back to the days of disco and the memorable dance sequence from Saturday Night Fever (which by the way is in the top 3 of the best movie soundtracks ever!).

Music can also be used as a marketing tool for products endorsed by the artists themselves. For instance, recording Hip-Hop and R&B artist Chris Brown released a song called "Forever" in the Spring of 2008. The lyrics in his song included the slogan for Wrigley's Doublemint Gum. (Double your pleasure, double your fun.) Since then, Chris Brown as appeared in commercials for the gum and the song has become an anthem for the product.

Music is no longer just a form of entertainment but a means for brand recall. Especially nowadays that the economy isn't doing well and advertising effectiveness is struggling, music will still attract consumers even if the branding concepts do not. The possibilities are endless with music as a marketing tool.

Sources:
Advertising Age
High Concept
Brand Republic
The Seattle Times
Entertainment Weekly

exhibit A, a youtube video?

The Supreme Court has officially entered into the world of Youtube! A petition filed to the court last month was to a Youtube video showing an arrest where the victim is claiming is police brutality.

Because the judge has the opportunity to view the video for himself, he/she may be less inclined to defer to factual findings or jurors for a conclusion. (According to The Harvard Law Review)

The man in the video being arrested was sobbing on the ground behind his car and refused to get up for the officer.  Once the officer repeatedly asked him to get up he refused and when threatened to be tased the man said "I don't care, tase me."

After being tased the man still refused to get up and the officer called for backup.  Again trying to stand the man up, he refused and was tased again.

Police brutality or resisting arrest? You be the judge.

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the future looks... cool!....

Microsoft Office Labs have put together a series of videos depicting their vision of what 2019 will be like. The futures they depict are in relation to banking, retail, manufacturing and health care.

Health care- Body and health is monitored and seamlessly shared with doctors allowing them to provide accurate, safe and fast care.

Manufacturing- Technologies automate processes and are connected across organizations and time zones while digitally simulating parts to teach more effectively.

Retail- Digital price tags that can change with a click of a button, projected shopping lists so you don't forget anything, and stores anticipating your needs before you even start shopping.

Banking- Constant connection with your finances, simple transactions and quality security.

The video explains it all! Here's a montage of all four futures!

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