One Shop For Fun - Shopping Info

17 Designer’s Logo Making Processes

There are few things more daunting for a graphic designer than coming up with a logo from scratch. Designwalker has a nice roundup of 17 Designer?s Logo Making Processes
.
Arc90’s Perpetual Paranoia

Ya gotta love melodramatic headlines: at Arc90, our customers threaten to fire us every day
.
Welcome To The Biggest Laboratory Ever

Spreading around the ol? blog-o-sphere is Google?s Flu Trends
. In essence:

We have found a close relationship between how many people search for flu-related topics and how many people actually have flu symptoms. Of course, not every person who searches for "flu" is actually sick, but a pattern emerges when all the flu-related search queries from each state and region are added together.

Pretty cool. Really cool actually. What Google is doing here is combining a couple of dimensions of data: where you are geographically and flu-related search queries to determine how the flu virus is spreading.

A few years ago, I talked about
Google Base and what I then called the ?Incidental Semantic Web.? In short, what I was talking about then is how the monitoring or mining of data artifacts out of selfish behavior can lead to some really interesting insights. That?s exactly what?s happening here.

We search for flu remedies and symptoms on Google because we?re selfishly motivated to learn more. We have no interest in contributing to some database that reports on the spread of the flu. That selfish motivation is precisely why Google can trust (relatively speaking) the data coming in. In other words, this ability to predict the spread of the flu is an incidental byproduct of millions of discrete, selfish acts.

I think this is just the beginning. Imagine synthesizing results from not only search queries, but eating habits (via ?smart? refrigerators), drug interactions (RFID is making its way onto prescription bottles) and many other "sources? of data. For example, imagine finding a a far less likelihood of diabetes in cultures that eat extraordinary amounts of cauliflower.

Today, we take a guess about the correlation of different factors (Vitamin X reduces Disease Y) and kick off a study where we then decide to watch and gather data. Tomorrow, we?ll just check the data that comes out of our everyday lives.
One Big Ball Of Experience

A few months ago, I put up a post about how software delivery is materially changing
. In that post, I talked about how software delivery would transition from CD?s and DVD?s to over-the-wire instant software. It?s a worthwhile transition. Eliminating prerequisites to getting software up and running is a great thing.

Just ask Youtube. Youtube exploded precisely because we didn?t have to get the knife and scissors out to pry away that annoying, thick plastic casing to get at the product. Realplayer had a stubborn plastic wrapping around it. Youtube didn?t. Rewind ten years ago and stroll into Real Network?s offices and explain to them that their product was just fine but that their ?packaging? would one day do them in and they would?ve laughed you out of the building. Installation downloads. Plugins. Configuration settings. It?s all a big honkin? waste of time. The URL box killed Realplayer. Hell, even Amazon, the ultimate purveyor of actual physical stuff, is waking up to the uselessness of over-packaging in today?s world
.

The un-packaging experience (or in software circles, what is commonly referred to as ?download and installation?) is part of the entire experience around a piece of software. In fact, it?s a pretty important part of the relationship: it?s the introduction. The iPhone application and song acquisition experience is arguably one of the main reasons why the iPhone is so wildly popular and successful. The whole process flows beautifully. You don?t need to get the knife and scissors out.

A few weeks ago, I ran across an article or post that explained that MLB At Bat
, the popular $4.99 iPhone application that gives you up-to-the-minute scores and video highlights would?*gasp*?expire. For a moment, I was offended and felt a bit duped. I paid my $4.99 and I assumed I?d purchased the damn thing. I owned it. I owned it in the traditional, free-market capitalist sense of the word. I give you $5, you give me a jar of pickles. The pickles are now mine.

Not so. Major League Baseball is going to require everyone to buy At Bat every year. It turns out I didn?t own a damn thing. In fact, I leased it?or subscribed to it. After getting over my initial grievance about the whole thing, I realized a few things. First, $4.99 a year is not even worth debating for an application of this quality. $4.99 gets you a large coffee at Starbucks. Second, all software is headed in this direction. It?s going the way of cable television or cell phones. We?re going to pay to use, not to own.

Today, the burden on software publishers is to sell you software that you will then own. A few years will go by and you?re asked again to ?upgrade.? You can choose not to and just keep using whatever you?ve got. The burden is on software publishers to pile on features and updates compelling enough to make us want to pay the upgrade cost. If our copies of Photoshop CS3 stopped working tomorrow because it had ?expired? you?d witness some sort of revolt of graphic designers, but that?s exactly where we?re headed.

This shift will bring a renewed emphasis on the software experience itself. The marketing of software; the barrier-to-entry to use; the virtual out-of-the-box experience along with the actual use of the product is all blending together into one continuous interaction. As we ready our idea management product, Kindling
for general release, we?re realizing that the entire thing: from marketing pages, to the sign-up process to the actual application itself is really one cohesive experience.

So take heed product managers and designers, the shrink-wrapped box is gone. The barriers are gone. Hell, the actual shelf space is gone. Marketing is no longer over there and your product is over here. It?s all one big ball of experience. Make it as simple and memorable as you possibly can.
Turn Your Site Into An iPhone App With Intersquash

Intersquash
(bizarre name, heh) takes your RSS feed and turns it into an alternative destination for iPhone users. When you visit your URL on an iPhone, the site shows up replete with the neat sliding-navigation effect we?ve all come to love. Pretty handy.
Great Collection Of Redesigns

Here?s a nice series of side-by-side comparisons
of old and new designs of a variety of things from logos to cars to websites. Nice. (via Authentic Boredom
).
Obama Headlines From Around The World

So how did the press around the United States and around the world cover Obama?s historic election victory? Man, it would be great if there were a site that took snapshots of all the front pages?oh wait
.
Sweet Regular Expression Explorer

Regular expressions
make up that dark and mysterious alleyway that every programmer occasionally has to walk through. Ryan Swanson has put out a very nicely designed Regular Expression Explorer
. It?s built in Flex but is universally useful.
Three New Google Apps Lab Applications

Google Apps has released three new experimental applications that look pretty frickin? cool. Here?s a quick summary from the Google Enterprise Blog
:
- Google Moderator: Take Q&A to a whole new level -- manage feedback from the smallest video conference to the largest all-hands company meeting. Learn more
- Google Code Reviews: Collaborate with others to catch bugs in software changes before you check them in. Learn more
- Google Short Links: Create easy-to-remember links for both your internal and external web pages Learn more
Hey, free stuff is always good. You need a Google Apps account to play with these.

Basement.org Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:14:50 -0500

Powakaddy - Powakaddy
...your local golf course on a Sunday morning can be a truly exhausting experience unless you provide yourself with some motorised support in the shape of electric golf trolleys. Electric golf trolleys ...
Visit Powakaddy...

Wedding Stationery - Wedding Stationery
...mood and the tone long before the actual ceremony takes place. Indeed, the special day starts to take shape the very moment the first wedding invitation arrives! It`s the first impression of what you...
Visit Wedding Stationery...

Land For Sale - Land For Sale
...n of yours to invest in Land For Sale? Are you in the position to place some of your money into a sizeable plot of land? Investing in Land For Sale makes a great deal of sense because one investment...
Visit Land For Sale...

Rat Poison - Rat Poison
...eed. Mice and rats can gnaw through various items and leave their droppings in a variety of places. The mere sight of rats can be upsetting for some as they are linked to a number of diseases. Ther...
Visit Rat Poison...

Gift Packaging - Gift Packaging
...so shows your true inner self. Unfortunately, this is something we really don`t put much value on. The truth of the matter is reflected in studies conducted on the psychology of gift packaging that sh...
Visit Gift Packaging...

Neporex Fly Control - Neporex Fly Control
... in certain environments. Horse stables can become plagued by flies and they can drive the mighty mares mad with their persistent behaviour. Poultry units are other areas where flies like to frequen...
Visit Neporex Fly Control...

Land Sales - Land Sales
...d investments. People have been investing in Land Sales for many years now and in this time they have made plenty of money. The housing shortage in Britain has no doubt helped with the profit margin...
Visit Land Sales...

Roll Pallet - Roll Pallet
...ll pallets for the retail and distribution industry. Roll pallets are used in the main for the storage and movement of goods around a warehouse or for the transportation of goods on lorries. With Heal...
Visit Roll Pallet...

Jewellery Packaging - Jewellery Packaging
...ch covers pendant cases in black and burgundy or your jewellery packaging for your valued watches can be from black or burgundy colors in a size of 6 x 7.5 x 3.1, 4.8 x 21x 3 or 6 x 7.5 x 3.1. These a...
Visit Jewellery Packaging...

Regal Tip Drumsticks - Regal Tip Drumsticks
...cks, but regal tip drumsticks are the best. Unlike other nylon tips which are white, regal`s tips are semi-transparent and unbreakable. You can actually take a 3lb hammer and strike a regal tip nylon ...
Visit Regal Tip Drumsticks...

Electric Golf Trolleys - Electric Golf Trolleys
...rienced by players week in and week out at various golf clubs around the World. Walking around your favourite course and trying to improve your handicap is all part of the fun but if you haven`t got ...
Visit Electric Golf Trolleys...

Dry Bags - Dry Bags
...afe when you visit the beach this year? What type of product can stop your camera from getting wet when you take part in a range of water sports? Have you got a radio that will sound great by the po...
Visit Dry Bags...

Solar Water Features - Solar Water Features
... water running in a garden can be such a pleasant experience as you sit outside on a summer`s evening. It`s gentle and relaxing, calming and soothing as you idly watch Mother Nature in all her glory ...
Visit Solar Water Features...

Professional Photographer London - Professional Photographer London
... capital city a professional photographer London regularly takes wealth of wonderful snaps. This professional photographer London can travel to specific venues and undertake a dedicated photographic ...
Visit Professional Photographer London...

Point Of Sale - Do You Take Interest In Point Of Sale?
...oducer or a firm can market their services or products. it is the most important requisite to reach all customers at grass-root level for any good customer-friendly business. in today`s world of compe...
Visit Point Of Sale...

Trade Kitchens - Trade Kitchens
... your home if you look at the ranges of trade kitchens that are available online. If you fancy fitting the kitchen yourself you could save a vast amount of money and because the trade kitchens alread...
Visit Trade Kitchens...

Beads - Beads
...y are normally made of glass, plastic, or stones. However, you can also find these ornaments made of materials such as bones, horns, ivory, metals, pearls, shells, corals and so on. There are hundreds...
Visit Beads...

Jewellery Making - Jewellery Making
...body it could be worth trying to find a new outlet to channel those creative instincts. You might find that you are longing to try a new hobby or craft and jewellery making has taken its place on top...
Visit Jewellery Making...

Construction Signs - Construction Signs
...ruction signs are put on the sides of roads to pass on information to road users. The reason why signs are used instead of words is because language can create differences and barriers in understandin...
Visit Construction Signs...

Poly Bags - Poly Bags
...st on a daily basis and could you do with durable poly bags that could comfortably contain it? Would you like to find a supplier of poly bags that has numerous sizes in stock? If you need to find st...
Visit Poly Bags...

Lorry Straps - Lorry Straps
... and down our motorways have some form of load control equipment for the load restraint needs of the load. The most common form is the Lorry straps, or ratchet strap. These straps vary in size dependi...
Visit Lorry Straps...

Auction Rooms Northwest - Auction Rooms Northwest
...when there`s a live auction being carried out. The room can be full of eager customers all waiting to grab themselves a bargain. In the North West there are some truly fine examples of auction rooms...
Visit Auction Rooms Northwest...

Trade Show Displays - Trade Show Displays
... would certainly help you. This is because trade show displays will surely attract attention and pull customers towards you. They will certainly be curious about what you have to offer them. Indeed, y...
Visit Trade Show Displays...

England Cricket Shirts - England Cricket Shirts
...re specific for different teams and serve as a symbol of pride for every team. The England cricket team is one team, which has specialized England cricket shirts. The English players wear England cric...
Visit England Cricket Shirts...

Used Motorhomes - Used Motorhomes
...ing for Used Motorhomes, we have a whole range available with us that you can browse through. We assure you that these Motorhomes are in perfect condition for use in terms of accommodation as well as ...
Visit Used Motorhomes...

Estate Agent Boards - Estate Agent Boards
...t boards are similar to advertisement boards or hoardings. They display the identity of an estate agent. Estate agent boards, however, have some differences compared to other hoardings. As Estate agen...
Visit Estate Agent Boards...

Card Making - Card Making And How To Do It.
...ousands of us are now enjoying the wonderfully rewarding hobby of card making ? they are having to reassess their postage rates to take account of the odd sizes and weighty specials we`re all creating...
Visit Card Making...

Kitchen Units - Kitchen Units
...when you look at the types of kitchen units that are currently being offered online. Instead of trudging around kitchen showrooms and nearly suffering a heart attack when you look at the prices of th...
Visit Kitchen Units...

Waterproof Bags - Waterproof Bags
...ed to keep your valuables safe from the effects of the water a range of waterproof bags can come in very handy. These wonderful waterproof bags can keep items like digital cameras safe from a watery ...
Visit Waterproof Bags...

Jiffy Bags - Jiffy Bags
...any has been dealing in plastics for a long time. Later, this company started dealing in padded shipping envelopes. The company also provides other products such as shredded paper padded bags. Jiffy b...
Visit Jiffy Bags...

Lifts - Lifts
...randed or have to face long climbs up steep stairs at the very least. Tall buildings and office blocks rely on their various types of Lifts as they get staff and customers up to the right levels. If...
Visit Lifts...

Lift Maintenance - Lift Maintenance
... your old lifts and replace them with something much more modern? Let the lift engineers come and fit new lifts for you and your worries about breakdowns will be over. What`s more, when you have the ...
Visit Lift Maintenance...

Vic Firth Drumsticks - Vic Firth Drumsticks
...rth Drumsticks are known as one of the top drumstick brands available in the market. Many drummers will be quite picky when it comes to choosing a set of drumsticks. Some of them will choose no other ...
Visit Vic Firth Drumsticks...

Brochure Racks - Brochure Racks
... of a pamphlet. Brochures are simply papers carrying important information about businesses, products, people and services. All forms of organizations, such as businesses, schools, colleges and compan...
Visit Brochure Racks...

Pop Up Booths - Pop Up Booths
...freely pick brochures for reading purposes. It is a common observation that Pop up booths are found in various shops and markets. Mostly, they carry brochures with details about items for sale or jus...
Visit Pop Up Booths...

Rugby Gifts - Rugby Gifts
... are sports stores, especially those that deal in rugby goods. You can obtain rugby gifts for different prices, depending on types of items you desire. You can even get rugby gifts online, which is a ...
Visit Rugby Gifts...

Portrait Photographer London - Portrait Photographer London
...ke a look at images that have been captured by a portrait photographer london and you`ll be totally amazed by what you see. As professional portrait photographer london works with many clients and th...
Visit Portrait Photographer London...

Bankruptcy Stock - Bankruptcy Stock
...emselves bankrupt. Official receivers can be called in with debt collection teams and goods can be seized as a result and this becomes what`s known as Bankruptcy Stock. The Bankruptcy Stock that is ...
Visit Bankruptcy Stock...

Crystal Awards - Crystal Awards
... benefited others. In the workplace recognition comes in the way of a pay rise or perhaps being presented with company awards at corporate events. Some of the awards might be of the crystal variety ...
Visit Crystal Awards...

Golf Trophies - Golf Trophies
...country will be rewarded for their eagles and birdies by being given Golf Trophies at the end of tournaments. What better way is there to celebrate a perfect performance than by being given some reco...
Visit Golf Trophies...

Camping Equipment - Camping Equipment
...s cup of tea but camping proves to be popular with many people. For some they like their camping trips to be a minimalist as possible whilst others like to ensure they have plenty of camping equipmen...
Visit Camping Equipment...

Radio Mics - Radio Mics
...an be simple process when you utilise one of the modern Radio Mics that are currently available. You might be a traditionalist when tit comes to speaking in front of large crowds and want handheld Ra...
Visit Radio Mics...

Portable Pa - Portable Pa
...e PA system? Are you looking for a powerful Portable PA system that will make your voice sound perfect as you speak to the crowds? You might need a Portable PA system because you regularly host audi...
Visit Portable Pa...

Motorhomes Uk - Motorhomes Uk
...mistress of your own destiny from one day to the next? How would you like to uproot from your current location one day and head off for new pastures and further adventures the next? Wouldn`t it be g...
Visit Motorhomes Uk...