The world wide web - footprint

So it seems that I keep signing up to be part of various different online platforms that enable oneself to broadcast themselves to the world. Or communicate with the world. Or work collaboratively. The more I look, the more I find and the more I find, the more I think that it is so easy to lose track of your online footprint. Where you leave a trace, with maybe just one photo, one comment, a biography, a link, video...the list goes on.

Therefore, I thought that perhaps I would list some of the possibilities for various different tools here, simply as means for myself to track them...I am sure that this is not new news.... but it is useful and helpful to me...so for starters (may add to this list)

Creative networks...
Co creation
Klusters - a really exciting tool - a group decision-making platform that helps businesses, groups and communities discuss and rate ideas.

Threadless - a co-creative t-shirt design site, hosts an exciting graphics uploaded + voted upon
Ning - allows the possibility for you to create a social network for anything that you want.
Delicious - wonderful tool for bookmarking sites online + searching others favourites
eilluminate - virtual conference - free for up to 3 people

Portfolio/data sites
Coroflot - Probably one of the biggest online design portfolio sites, constantly updated with new and impressive portfolios, with reviews of certain portfolios updated to the core77 blog
Computer Love - Creative networks, portfolio uploads, blog updates...lots going on
Carbon Made - Nice way to make a quick + simple website, also hosts portfolios, in particular I like the simplicit yof the design for the individual portfolio.
Scribd - allows you to put documents presentations online for public access. yo ucan also embed a document in your wesite.
Slideshare - again for putting documents online
polldaddy - great free online surveys

Photographic/video social networks

Flickr - my ultimate favourite photography site for storage, sharing and searching, don't really look elsewhere, but will place a few links here anyway
youtube - only have a few things on here, but it is extremely useful for finding information etc.

Social networks
Linkedin -nice alternative to facebook for more business/non personal network creation
Twitter - staying conneted
Facebook -the infamous site, extremely useful for keeping in touch with a wide/ international network of friends
Bebo - used to use ie, but feel it is more for younger people
My space - don't use, but often look up musicians on there to hear a sample of their music

so various different website, blog and wiki servers:

Wetpaint - allows you to create a free website, nice layouts, a range of interesting sites
Blogger
Wordpress
Livejournal
Tumblr - I like the layout possibilities here
Pb wiki
Wiki.com
wikispaces


it is quite a long list already and I am sure that there is more that could be added to this...

My Bill...Your Bill... Our billl

So it is starting...Christophe Tallec and I will be launching our service design platform, My Bill...Your Bill...Our Bill, within the next week. In order to test the concept in an online public sphere and create scenarios for the Institute of the Futures, online platform Superstruct.

Where it began...
A one week design workshop held at ENSCI in Paris (2007), with Jennie Winhall and Chris Vanstone, which focused on service design research and prototyping tools, through the practical implementation within a project.

Our brief was to look at energy use within public space and design a service to reduce energy consumption or produce energy in public spaces.

We started by developing this initial diagram (below) which tried to define key differences between peoples awareness/control over energy within private and public space.






The results… My bill... Your bill... Our Bill

A service design proposal that explores public energy use and awareness. Part of the proposal was for the creation of a collaborative user platform that encourages people to explore the use of energy in public space. This could give a renewed awareness and power to people to affect business practice, as businesses would be offered incentives and rewards, or given penalties points and notifications, in relation to public reviews.

So more information on this will be available soon.

To find out more about the launch or the project you can contact us at mybill.yourbill.ourbill@gmail.com

To be continued....

Superstruct... trying to take stock

I have recently been introduced to the online game Superstruct, launched by the Institute for the future in September. It was shown to me by a guy I completed a short service design project with when studying at ENSCI in Paris. He has written a little about the concept of "ARG - Alternative reality gaming" on his blog; Service Design by Christophe Tallec. and we plan to discuss the project we completed this afternoon to see if we can modify it and place it into this online game.

So what is Superstruct?
That is a good question... one that I have been trying to answer for the last hour, while trying to understand the concept and how to take part in it. Below, is a short video introduction which gives a sense of what they are trying to do.

The game is forecasting scenarios for the world in 2019, in particular the changes that will be made in the way we live our lives, due to the four problems areas; Ravenous, Power Struggle, Quarantine, Generation Exile, Outlaw Planet. However, the aim of the game is not just to forecast, but also discuss and make proposals as to how we can deal with these impending problems, what changes could be made, what systems, organisations, life changes...could help in the battle to change the world forecast. What is interesting, is when you sign up, it states that you should try to predict based on your current life status and culture...It is not meant to be pure fantasy. In fact, perhaps that is why it is more interesting and convincing. As pure fantasy is something that can be dismissed as exactly that. Yet ,although a future forecast...a prediction will always have an element of the unknown fantasy...the way that some of these issues are discussed makes them seem very real.

so far it has 5994 players and a current survival horizon of the earth predicted as being 2049!

Interesting stuff huh? I think so...I still have to read more, but here are a few links to what I have looked at so far;

Institute of the future post on superstruct
Wikja game tips for playing
there is also a face book group with tons of information

Cycling Action Plan for Scotland

I participated in the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland conference that took place on the 7th October 2008. As after my research on the cycling Culture in Europe, I was extremely interested to see the current actions that are taking place in Scotland to promote cycling . I found it to be a very interesting event, partly due to the numbers of participants and the level of interest present for improving the quantity and quality of cycling in Scotland.

This conference acted as the next step for CAPS, In order to present information collected during their research initiative which gathered a large source of information, quantitive research and statistics from the Scottish public. This information was presented to the diverse selection of attendees, from MSPs, Councilors, transport officers, to Pro-Cycling groups including Sustrans, Engineers... and me! In general, it brought a large source of information to people who can make a difference, making a small voice, into one a big voice that is heard and can direct action. The conference started with presentations form the key speakers, stated below;

• Stewart Maxwell MSP, Minister for communities and Sport, The Scottish Government
• Erl Wilkie, Chief Executive of Cycling Scotland and CAPS Board chair
• Councillor Ronnie McColl, Health and Well Being spokesperson, COSLA

Then in the afternoon the attendees were split up into group workshops to discuss issues relevant to their sector interest. These workshops included;

• Culture and the individual
• Cycling and the built environment
  
• Methods of changing behaviour
• Targeting/ segmentation
• Prioritisation of effort

There was a short period of time given to discuss these issues, before returning to join larger groups and discuss some further issues. The conference ended with electronic polling and closing talks.

It was a good event, although one that I feel was only the beginning. To get the issue firmly placed in the minds of the individuals that can make a difference. The important thing is to see what happens next and what efforts are put forward to change the attitude of Scots!

Peter Kirk Weekend

As I received a PK Travel scholarship this year, I was invited to attend a weekend in the lake district to discuss the advancement of the program, how it could be improved and what changes could be made to make a stronger network of scholars. It turned out to be a fantastic weekend, where I got a chance to meet not only the diverse range of scholars, but also the trustees.

A small group of scholars from the weekend,
after walking round Tarn Hows.

Ultimately, what was extremely interesting during weekend was the diverse range of topics that people had chosen for their research scholarships, yet also how they had been completed. However, another positive thing was the passion and the interest that the trustees held for getting to know the Scholars and to improve the experience for future scholars.

Overall it was a lovely weekend, due to the lively discussions, but also the chance to have a break and meet some new people. During the weekend we also visited John Ruskins House, walked round Tarn Hows and completed the Go Ape adventure course...not bad for one weekend.

If you would like to read a little more about the travel Scholarships, just click on this link.



Two images from my report, taken in Paris and Amsterdam.

I completed my research earlier this year and looked at the cycling culture in Europe. It was a fantastic opportunity to travel in France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. I organized and completed interviews with members of the public and representatives from leading cycling organizations including; the founder of the European Cycling Federation, the president of the European Union’s employee cycling group, the founder of Vélo Mondial, and representatives from Mieux se Déplacer à Bicyclette, Pro-Vélo, Fietserbond and many smaller organisations. In addition, it prompted me to attended the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland conference (which I am going to write about next).

A friend of mine whom is currently in the process of doing her research has a blog online now, which it is quite interesting to follow her progress on Food cultures in France and Germany.

Now for some "Design Stuff" which pleased me

Ok so now just a little taste of a few pieces that I saw at Tent London and Create Berlin
whilst visiting certain things at the London Design Festival.


One of the first things to catch my eye (quite literally, as it is on of the first pieces as you enter th e Content exhibition space), was the bench by Boex. I have seen this blogged many times since its launch last year. However, I still wanted to post it on here, As I do love it. The use of such a simple object, such as the pencil, is such a simple idea, which is quite beautiful and surprisingly comfortable.

I did however wonder if the pencils were removable and usable. As this could make for an interesting chair also, where the contours are defined by the use of each pencil!

Again alot of the other items, have been seen before. But it was nice to see them in the real, instead of on an image.There was also a really lovely set of salt and pepper shakers, "samba spice shakers", that worked like maraccas from Absalute appetite. A simple, but playful idea.

The other images will have to come later. So I just hopped over to Create Berlin afterwards which had a really impressive piece, The T-shirt Issue by Mashallah Design & Linda Kostowski. whom created a clothing range by scanning 3D body images and transferring these in to patterns for items of clothing. This is a really exciting concept, with an outcome that is both beautiful and controversial in relation to fashion.


So have so far, only had time to post a little taster of some of the items I saw at the Design Festival so far. However, it was certainly worth the trip.

Young design programme

An impressive exhibition that I kind of stumbled across during the Design festival was the held at Somerset House. I was actually on my was actually on my way to visit the Re-Design exhibition, When I found this...and simply had to stop.

Stylistically, the layout and graphics of the exhibition were very impressive. However, I guess what made such an impact was the content and the work presented, by the Sorrell Foundation . The pioneering Young Design programme has been developed by the Sorrell Foundation, working in partnership with different universities; students, designers and Architects. In order to work collaboratively with different primary and high schools within the UK, to try to create responses to problems, that do not simply meet the needs of the teachers, but more importantly the needs and wants of the Students.


I was also lucky enough to be invited by the exhibition co-ordinator to join a presentation that was made by an architect and student whom worked together on a project. This not only influenced the boy during his time spent at school, but due to the enjoyment of the whole process. He is now going on to study civil engineering at University, with the hope that he could be involved in projects like this again.

Alongside the exhibition and talk, I happened to get the chance of joining them in having lunch, and talking to some of the people present such as architects and school teachers.

Again, another little thing that cheered up my day.

Greengaged trip to powerday

After arriving in London very early on Thursday morning, the first event in my schedule of design week was to take part in one of the Greengaged events. Which had been organised by A small group of people, that are dedicated to the cause of sustainable practice within design and business.

In fact, I coudn't have asked for a better start to my trip. We sailed up the Grand Union Canal on an electric barge, which allowed me to see a slightly different side of London and enjoy life in the slow lane for a while. As although, it certainly does not seem to be the fastest method of transport for getting around London, it was certainly enjoyable and relaxing option.



There was also an interesting mix of people on board, from writers, designers, researchers and students. Which made for good conversation and varied discussion after the presentation by Rob Holdway from Giraffe Innovation, whom was also involved with the TV show Dumped; which featured a group of people that were challenged to live on a landfill site. His presentation was a well informed and passionate account of successes that Giraffe Innovation has had in affecting large companies strategic plans, in order to create a renewed sense of sustainable responsibility and awareness of environmental impact.



The boat soon arrived at it's destination, Powerday recycling plant, which allowed the group to experience a different side of the consumption process. The mass of materials piled up, in a site which the owner claimed was not even close to full, quickly gave a strong impression of the scale of materials that are often wasted. I think in fact many people know this, however it is like many things. You have to see it to believe it. There was photographs taken on mass, of this large, rather smelly building, where it seems the people in it are working very hard to ensure that they recover the maximum amount of materials for new uses, and end up with minimal waste. Perhaps, if people on the other side of the chain worked even half as hard, it could make as significant a change in the waste products produced in todays fast flowing consumer society.

Overall, it was an enjoyable trip. And certainly on of the more diverse experiences I had while visiting the London Design festival.

Falling asleep in public

There are times when there is a need to take break in the day and sometimes when I need a small nap; especially when spending a whole day in city, and planning to stay out at night.

Over the years I have felt this at various times, and have often wondered if it is simply that I have a mild form of narcolepsy, or if it is a normal feeling that most people just ignore or overcome by having a coffee.

So recently when in London, (well in fact yesterday), I went back to the one space that I remember as being truly possible to relax for free. It may seem unexpected, but it is in fact the Tate Modern Gallery. As on the second floor they have a set of black leather sofas, which are simply very comfortable. I had some time to pass before meeting my friends that evening to go to the theater, and I had been out all day on the go.

So decided to go to this spot and relax a little. I stayed there for about 1 hour and a half, and managed to nap for at least 45 minutes of that. Now, to some people, this may be like a strange thing to do in public. However, on these particular set of sofas...there are many people dozing off, it is a little like a permanent art exhibition.
In fact, the two on the two occasions that I have dosed off on these sofas, I have woken up to find many people on the surrounding sofas doing the same thing. So this time I stayed a little longer to observe a little.

The results, many people use these seats to stop and doze. Which makes this space somewhat unique to me.In fact, I can't think of many other places that serve this same purpose. There are coffee shops, with comfortable sofas, in which it is possible to relax...but not really acceptable to snooze. There are the multitude of people that "rest their eyes" on the metro /train / bus/underground but this is usually a mere few minutes escape ... I can't think of many more.
There is of course the park in summer, but as soon as it begins to get a little cold or rains(quite common in Scotland), this opportunity is not possible.

So is there a need for more public spaces in which to relax...is this really a viable idea. There is likely to be abuse, as one main market that you do often see "relaxing" in public is homeless people, and would it have to for commercial gain? Is it a space that is necessary or a product, something to shut you off from the world for a short amount of time.

So I decided to Google "sleeping in public" and from the results I found a few interesting things.
One is a sleeping jacket. However, this has been taken to the next level, with considerations of supports necessary to support the body whilst sleeping in public spaces, therefore it is very interesting and impressive product.





So yes, opposite is the Jacket for sleeping on public transportation by Mathew Gale










Then I noticed this flickr group Sleep in public, which has a myriad of images displaying the fact that I am not the only one whom likes to take a little break at some point during the day.

It is also interesting to notice different opinions in relation to the subject, depending upon whom the person falling asleep is. As it is often deemed unacceptable for homeless people to be caught sleeping in public, and in various cities around the world, it is banned for this reason. Yet, for your average jo, to take a break, although some people find it quite comical and take photos to post online, it is generally acceptable.
ok thats enough for now

Was pondering over what to post today, when I stumbled across this video and simply had to post it here.

As an avid cyclist, and considering that I have just spent 6 weeks France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany exploring the cycling culture, for a research travel scholarship. I am quickly becoming addicted to any news or innovations that are cycle related. This is super interesting idea. As one of the huge problems, with increasing the cycling culture in Britain, which is the same worldwide, is the problem with theft. This seems to offer a reasonable solution to this problem, within reason. ie. for commuters whom park in the same place everyday.

Although it does not solve the problem of theft, in relation to freedom of movement...ie. Having the possibility to stop and place your bike wherever you may be.

It seems like a possible solution for stations that would be placed outside office buildings, stations and perhaps even university buildings.

seen on www.treehugger.com

Keep moving?

The impact of this one girl standing still in Stockholm, while people all around keep moving and moving made for a fantastic sequence. I do wish I had made it a little longer. It just captures a thought, the sense of stopping, and standing still. That it is possible, and enjoyable...

Yet it often seems that if you do begin to slow down, take time out...that the world around you speeds up and just moves faster and faster. Therefore, there is a sense of need present within the world today...to not stand still, but to keep going as fast as you can all the time!

It reminds me of the quote by Carl Honore in a TED talk from 2005, when he states that we are;

" a world stuck in fast forward, a world obsessed with speed, of cramming more and more into less and less time,"[1]


So is the answer simply to slow down; to hit the slow motion button on the remote control?
Does the slow motion button still exist? or can you not simply skip forward or back?

sometimes, it is important to rethink time...the process that we go through of skipping forward, and forward and forward...as time just passes us by....

Carl Honore discusses slowness, mostly in relation to life issues and one important question he raises, which could apply to life or design is;

"Is it possible or even desirable to slow down?" [2]

Instead of simply embracing the chance to breathe and consider what we have already, we are almost always thinking about what we need next.

anway something to think about, on a slow sunday afternoon.

---

[1] Carl Honore, Slowing down in a world built for speed, TED talk - filmed July 2005, posted Feb 2007

[2] Carl Honore, Slowing down in a world built for speed, TED talk - filmed July 2005, posted Feb 2007

The start of something new

So my first blog entry. a simple start.

I record hundreds of things in my mind, in my sketchbooks, through photographs, thourhg scribbles...However, until now, I have not made use of the infamous blog.

So I feel it is time to start. To organise a little, some of the things that I have seen, that I like, that inspire me. It will host a mix of items; design related, art related, bike related...life related.


so here goes...watch this space