December 28, 2008

“Text labels associated with iconic graphic elements promote clarity of understanding for users.” Yes. Except when they don’t. Tripped over at filmdrunk.

Perfectly observed and brilliantly timed. Also (not coincidentally?) funny!

December 27, 2008
Chrysler thanks US taxpayers, using US taxpayer dollars to do so

When I was a little one - too young to earn any cash on my own - my folks would slip me some cash around Christmas, with strict instructions to use every last penny on gifts for my siblings (and, it went without saying, on my folks, too.) I was always embarassed by the practice. What kind of ‘gift’ was it for my Mom when she was the one paying for it? One Christmas, I even asked Mom that question, point blank. She smiled and told me not to worry about buying a present for her. I found this response absolutely mystifying. Who didn’t want a present at Christmas? Who could say no to such a thing?

Today I spotted a banner ad on CNN from Chrysler thanking US taxpayers for our ‘investment’ in their company (I’d prefer ‘temporary and costly postponement of the inevitable’ to ‘investment’, but whatever.) I am suddenly (finally?) seeing things from my mother’s perspective.

Hey US automakers! We get that you’re intellectually, creatively and (oh, yeah) financially bankrupt. We absolutely do not need you to spend dollars on a marketing campaign which cannot help but remind us of this fact. Worry less about your image, and more about developing products that can compete and lead in the world marketplace. Few businesses get the luxury of innovating on someone else’s dime. Stop squandering the opportunity you’ve been given.

Those billions will be gone before you know it.

December 26, 2008

user experience design in 2009: 3 predictions

Futurism is fun!

  • the economic slowdown means fewer clients, reduced budgets at surviving clients and increased competition for remaining projects. Full many a decent interactive shop will shut its doors or reduce staff dramatically in 2009.
  • a custom-designed iPhone app is going to move one Fortune 500 company into a (commanding) leadership position within its market segment.
  • as part of his program to rebuild the American infrastructure, President Obama will mandate the creation of reliable 3G wi-fi networks in all urban and suburban areas of the United States.
December 19, 2008
“ By indirections find directions out.
The character of Polonius in the play Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, in a slightly obtuse reference to lawn bowling. In this context: if you can’t observe users in situ or in a lab, study the tracks they have left on your web site logs, on the social networks and in the feedback that has been received by your people in customer service.
December 13, 2008
Will Leitch v. Q-Tip

When a celebrity responds to criticism like this, I can’t help but think the critic’s observations have been both unexpected and acute. But I also can’t help but feel a certain empathy for Q-Tip; who hasn’t posted something stupid in their life?

It isn’t too hard, getting your voice heard. Online, it might even be too easy.

December 9, 2008

Walmart iPhone will trigger seismic shift in media & marketing landscape

With a 10 MM install base already, building custom iPhone apps for certain clients already makes a ton of sense. But what’s the install base going to look like after Walmart’s had the things in stores for a full year? And how many clients won’t be, ah, touched?

cajunboy: (via littlemiss)

cajunboy:

(via littlemiss)
December 6, 2008
Let the cuteness flow through you…

Let the cuteness flow through you…

contract with corporate america

I want to renegotiate this country’s contract with corporate america. I want to return to the days when corporations believed they had an obligation to employees and the communities in which those employees lived. I want management teams more focused on the long-term viability of the organization and less obsessed with the price at which shares are selling in an irrational market.

I would also like a lifetime supply of clean socks. And the ability to go back in time to coach my high school self on getting a date. Which is to say, I feel a little embarassed even writing the above paragraph, never mind publishing it. But this is the age of Obama, right? The age of hope?

This is me trying to be a little hopey.