Transportation: Bike Sharing Programs

I noticed a bike sharing program started this fall in here in DC, but Montreal's programs appears to be a well planned an thoughtful approach to providing a comprehensive and sustainable business. BiXi is short for Bike Taxi

Its use of solar power bike stands, RFID chips to track a bike where abouts, as well as bikes designed to weather the harsh Canadian climate all point to the establishment of a successful solution that provides an alternative transport option for urban environs.

How it Works

Design Pioneer: Present - Saki Mafundikwa

Saki Mafundikwa whom I met earlier this year at a design summit to address the issue of designers of color and their declining numbers within the profession.

Saki has accepted the challenge to pioneer the development of a design program in Zimbabwe after years of study and work in America.

Article:By Saki Mafundikwa


Interview: Saki mafundikwa

Zimbabwe Institute of Vigital Arts

Career Profile: Information Graphics

A fellow Detroiter, and now visual op-ed columnist for the New York Times Charles Blow will be entertaining questions from readers this week.


Ask a Questions:

NYTimes Profile

Video Conversations

Book Jacket Designer: Chip Kidd

In support of a book cover project I assigned to my class, here is an noted book designer's work and interview.

Chip Kidd Book Covers

Times Interview

Prototype Defined: A Model of a Purposed Solution Idea

In the attached article one doctoral student finds sharing his ideas has brought name recognition and career opportunities.

NYTimes Article

Packaging: A Case for the iPod

This solution: affixing and iPod to your clothing while working out is a great example of a case that solves a portability and containment question for this commonly used consumer electronic device.

This also serves as a good example for the students in my packaging design course to think creatively about solving a problem that addresses the needs of a specific user group. By focusing on the needs of a unique segment of users if is more likely that a designer would arrive at a conventional remedy.

Invention and Technology News

iStick Website

Production Methods: New Apple MacBook

Once again Apple takes a unique angle in presenting it newest product. They have decided to tout the method of production and the qualities that brings to the final product - strength and durability.

Video

Apple's Management Team

Book: Desonstructing Product Design

This book is not scheduled to be published until late 2009, but the authors are allowing input from you. Submit your comments about the collection of products they consider significant.


Deconstructing Product Design Website

Contextual Research: Gaining Understanding of a Subject

Here is a proposal for developing a tool that would assist field research. This concept idea is being considered by the Bresseler Grouup.

Designing for Humans

The Fading Possibility of Free Wireless Internet Access

This article looks at the challenges that that have slowed if not premanently side-lined any chance of free and open internet access.

Wired Article

Mobile Phone: BlackBerry Storm

I have reached a point were it is time to consider updating my cell phone.

I have a sense that the latest generation of cell phones are significantly better than the generation of phones that were on the market two years ago.

This fall besides the introduction of the new 3G iPhone and the eagerly anticipated Google open platform approach, is a solid update of the BlackBerry with a "touchy" screen which will be the first touch screen to provide tactile feedback.

BlackBerry has been a solid performer for years supported by business professional, there move into the consumer segment has been slow and without comprise to its established customer base.

Wired Magazine Preview

Time Magazine Preview

Tech Watch

NYTimes Review of the Google Phone

Engadet Review

Redesign of Museums for the 21st Century

Museum's are seeking ways to update their public image, many are using architecture as the ultimate expression of a new 21st century attitude.

Museum of Art and Design

Copper-Hewitt Future Plans

National Museum of African American History and Culture Request for Proposals

Reforms at the Smithsonian

New Product: Bamboo Pen Tablet

This attractive pen tablet offers additional functionality to the creative person who would like an alternative to the ubiquitous mouse or a means to simply exercise their sketching skills.

Wacom/Bamboo Site

Video Tutorials

Design Thinking: A Process that Informs the Act of Designing

The attached article demonstrates that the phase Design Thinking is be tossed about more and more as a concept that begs to be unpacked.

My use of the phase is based on all the considerations that a design should be aware of in addressing a design problem. It is the ability to access a broad range of knowledge to address the needs of a situation by utilizing the tools appropriate to provide the understanding that would allow for the best solution ideas to be generated and weighted by the designer and client.

NYTimes Article: Design is More than Packaging

National Organization of Minority Architects -NOMA

NOMA's 2008 Conference was held here in DC over the weekend, it was a very impressive gathering of the nation's design talent.

Most impressive was the student design competition that allow 12 schools to present their design solutions for a National Memorial and Interpretive Center of the Civil Rights Movement. The Cornel University design team won, with a beautifully rendered story and model entitled "Breaking the Silence".

NOMA's Website

Magazine: Fast Company Design Issue

The annual Design issue of Fast Company is now out.

Bicycle Design: The Brompton

I am fascinated by the concept of a folding bike primarily because I think it would provide an opportunity to bike more.

I envision tossing a foldable bike in the trunk of my car when I travel and therefore I would have the option to pedal around town as an alternative to walking or mass transit.

My personal opinion is that I prefer the looks of the Puma/Biomega foldable bike to the Brompton bicycle pictured here.

NYTimes Article

The Brompton