We feel that Tumblr has at least three huge factors in it’s favor. Tumblr is our favorite non-install based blogging system, and we think it even beats out the freebee blogs at Wordpress.com.
It’s ridiculously easy to set up. We have this saying at Dirk+Weiss when it comes to usability. We say that the interfaces we choose to use and make should be easy enough for Grandma and her Grandkids alike. If for some reason, no pre-fab solution will do the trick, we’ll just go and write something from scratch (yes we do that too). Tumblr is that easy to set up. Provide an email address, password and tumblr url name and you’re good to go.
Themes look like modern websites, and are just plain pretty. All designers have a guilty pleasure of liking things that are aesthetically pleasing. Luckily, Tumblr does this well. Their installable themes are nice to look at and function well, and thus end users feel comfortable sticking around.
The Goodie Bag For us, Tumblr really shines under the hood. For such a quick setup, you get access to some slick posing features that would make even the most inexperienced blogger relax. The thing we always seem to hear from new bloggers is, “Will I have time to even do this?” and “What do you mean try to post every day!?”. Tumblr gives every blog a unique e-mail address where photos, text, quotes, audio or video can be sent. There is also connections to your Facebook, Twitter and other social platforms for easy blog promotion.
All three of these bits, we feel makes Tumblr a hands down winner of the free blogging platforms.
Mashable has released a story today that we have been waiting on for over 2 years. We first read (and watched) about flexible display technology a few years ago while investigating technologies for various user interface projects. We wanted a way to make any surface touch screen, like the mirror in your bathroom perhaps.
Displax has reportedly developed a multi-touch film that can be put on any non-metal surface. It responds to touch and air flow. Up to 16 points can be registered at one time. Nice!
This has huge potential in everything from coffee shops, to schools, to offices and designers. Speaking of designers, and the little boxes we use to make stuff, Google predicted last year that the idea of a desktop computer would soon phase into a more ubitquitus technology that could be integrated into your office or home. The problem was, and always is, the technology is a few years behind.
Adobe has had more trouble than ever with keeping up with the needs of creative types and, because of their pricey bundles, pirates for that matter. Their interfaces are deigned for these 16×9 boxes, and screen real-estate is shrinking. If Adobe was smart, they would sell more licenses at a smaller price, and take advantage of these new technologies that will turn small space, into infinite space.
I can just imagine going to Ikea and seeing a swiss designed multi-touch work table for sale with tilt and slide action.
If you’re under 25, you’re probably saying, “Paul Who?”, and if your over 30 you’re probably saying “Paul, Mr. IBM, Rand”. Truth is, Paul Rand had a very successful graphic design career before the time of internet and mobile phones (fax machines and copy cameras?).
Well it seems the Paul has resurfaced, and is now designing great 140 character messages for the graphic designers of the 21st century. Now, in comes “The Angry Paul Rand”, and the greatest bit of graphic designer sarcasm since AnyoneCanSwiss (a small plug).
Example genius: “In my day I had a name for stupid clients who would not listen to my brilliant design advice. I called them “David Carson’s clients.” – The Angry Paul Rand.
We are designers here too. We were even trained in print design (like, on paper). While we recognize the work that Paul Rand did was indeed influential in his day, we also try not to harp on the past, and romanticize about “how design used to be”. @SwissMiss tweeted about him, and we also suggest that you go check him out. I hear he’s really old now, and please, don’t forget to laugh. @AngryPaulRand
Watch and enjoy. Gary is a driving proponent of increasing the hustle, doing what you love, and finding a way to monetize it. We agree with Gary. Let us help your business focus the passion, and spread the word.
As I was cutting through Harvard Yard to meet fellow designer Ben Gaydos of GoodGood, I walked by this emergency phone. I then stopped, turned, and snapped this photo. I then proceeded to send this photo to my colleagues, where the following dialogue was replied…
Kentucky Boy – “Excuse me. Can you tell me where the library is at?” Harvard Student – “Around here we do not end a sentence with a preposition!” Kentucky Boy – “Well then, can you tell me where the library is at, asshole?!”
So what’s the lesson here? Choose words and applications in public spaces that will still work when scraped away, or split into two words. Emergency perhaps? or Help?
