This week’s collection of stuff that I’ve found interesting via Link Drop contains a lot of new themes. There’s stuff about smell, flowers and even Whole Foods. Apple makes it’s usual appearance, though in a more positive light. I also seem to be listening to a lot of personal stories via podcasts and interviews. Hopefully if it’s raining where you are like it is in NYC today, you have some time to check some links out that you may not have come across otherwise.
After reading this, I wasn’t exactly sure what people were going crazy about. I’ve used the service a couple times and was happy with the results. The kicker is that if people don’t like using it, they’re not forced to. And don’t get me started on the proposed redesigns—the idea reminds me of the stupidity that wired did when they asked people to redesign google. sigh… I did have to laugh when it was mentioned in the article about how people have tried to redesign it.
AD Presents :: Weird Summer, A Mixtape
If you’re looking for some music to listen to while going through this issue of Link Drop, I’d recommend this mix.
I actually read this post before the wired article. Kind of puts things into perspective, to a degree.
Vancouver Olympics design head dies suddenly at 40
I didn’t know this designer but it still saddened me to read none the less. The Canadian design community has lost a passionate person that was doing what he loved. You can see more of his work via Mark Busse.
What is the benefit of Social Media?
Interesting responses to the dreaded term Social Media. Bonous points are awarded to anyone that checks this additional link: Epic Privacy Information Center
Design Folios with Google Maps
Great idea to repurpose technology for portfolio viewing pleasure. Though I still think a blog is the best way to show what work a designer has done.
This post wins the award for longest read, but more importantly—most interesting read too. Who knew, certainly not me.
Scents & Sensibility: Aroma Tips from Christopher Brosius
So what’s your favourite smell?
So What Do We Think About This?
This was a last minute drop before I published this Link Drop. I’m really liking how magazines are taking a risk by showing people how they really are. Apparently the issue of the magazine is close to selling out already.
There’s no hope for design and business if Ikea is turning its back on what they stand for. Wtf is all I could say when I first read about this.
Another type story, this time not so bad. I thought the comparisons helped a lot to see what they were up to.
I haven’t tried this yet though I have seen it in action, and it helped the presentation. Good breakdown of what the tool is.
Can we make the case for a phonetic alphabet today?
I was surprised by the reaction to this post after I tweeted about it—so for more reaction I’ve added it here.
I liked how the rational for his designs were brought out via the narrative of the questions.
Full interview: Andy Baio on remaking Miles Davis and crowdfunding
Cool idea to create funding for creative projects.
Please vote for my SXSW panels!
This was one of the smarter ways of getting the word out about SXSW panels. The discussion in the comments section of the post is worth clicking on in itself.
25 things journalists can do to future-proof their careers
All of these steps are relevant to designer’s too.
These illustrations are great. And the purchase aspect is quite easy too, though I have to admit I haven’t bought of them yet.
Apple May Be Highest Grossing Fifth Avenue Retailer
I’m surprised that I didn’t come across this info from more sources. If it’s true, what a coup for Apple.
Landscapes of Quarantine: Call for Applications
If you’ve ever thought about quarantine, perhaps you might be interested in designing something around the concept.
WTF at Whole Foods (doing the cultural math)
The business implications of talking about politics when you’re the face of a company.
Great example of hospitality from Whole Foods
Sort of apt considering every other day it’s been raining in NYC.
I have no home. I have created a new home. This is my home.
This post is for the architects out there reading this.
I’ve haven’t surfed yet but it seems like it’s been everywhere I’ve been in NYC this summer. Sure I live on an island but it’s a bit unexpected for me.
The 3 key parts of news stories you usually don’t get
Yet more advice for newspapers, this time about content.
How Long Does it Take to Build a Technology Empire?
A diagram that puts things into time perspective. Great terms: Rocket Ship, Hot Company, and Slow Burner.
I think these type of posts are worth passing on because they get to the reason d’etre of why someone design’s something. It also goes back to my mention of portfolios above using google maps.
It’s never a bad idea to include an interview with the artist of one of the best albums of the year.
The interview with Liskula Cohen is worth a listen, the silence in between answers and follow up questions was a bit strange. But it wasn’t that strangeness that made me listen to it a couple more times, but more about the response to how things were settled. The rest of the podcast wasn’t too bad either.
The iPhone is not easy to use: a new direction for UX Design
I’m always going on about how wonderful iPhone apps are, and how they’re easier to use than real sites. This post puts that into question in a good way.
