tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83494062201297050472024-03-13T11:41:45.420-04:00Scrumptious GumptiousRishi Desai discusses the Intersection of Design & Society. Simple, Austere, Intense.
Portfolio site: <a href="http://www.mas-fina.com">http://www.mas-fina.com</a>Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-75251849899564095772009-08-18T08:40:00.010-04:002009-08-18T09:12:08.021-04:00An ever more reason why the internet is a drug<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-s-fDYxbC2pyPKGmvC8dIe6i_Q0VCHN6OtgwwY70A8mcC-MORW7ZuSnEyCXyQdEqgEgiVJr2HnYbpjKPMHx_r7C1okN4FiDn7fpDJdlRvaHERBIILmOg5kcYi_c_svepDUhKJxqSi_8va/s1600-h/crack-dopamine.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-s-fDYxbC2pyPKGmvC8dIe6i_Q0VCHN6OtgwwY70A8mcC-MORW7ZuSnEyCXyQdEqgEgiVJr2HnYbpjKPMHx_r7C1okN4FiDn7fpDJdlRvaHERBIILmOg5kcYi_c_svepDUhKJxqSi_8va/s320/crack-dopamine.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371285258760265938" /></a>Recently reading this amazing <a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2224932/" target="_blank">article</a> in Slate magazine, about how the internet, and its various means of "search" are merely the devils tools. Google, Twitter, Facebook, etc. are nothing more than just feeders to boost our dopamine levels. The "crack" of the digital world. Endless streams of information to seek, and explore, and satisfy, and seek some more. All those blogs, wikipedia articles, web pages, with hyperlinked words which "jump" you to more information, simply feed that need to "search" This stimulates our hypothalamus, boosting dopamine levels, creating a euphoric feeling... until we need more. They summarize:<br /><br /><blockquote>For humans, this desire to search is not just about fulfilling our physical needs. Panksepp says that humans can get just as excited about abstract rewards as tangible ones. He says that when we get thrilled about the world of ideas, about making intellectual connections, about divining meaning, it is the seeking circuits that are firing.<br /><br />The juice that fuels the seeking system is the neurotransmitter dopamine. The dopamine circuits "promote states of eagerness and directed purpose," Panksepp writes. It's a state humans love to be in. So good does it feel that we seek out activities, or substances, that keep this system aroused—cocaine and amphetamines, drugs of stimulation, are particularly effective at stirring it. </blockquote><br /><br /><p>The question then arises.. is this for the better? Are we evolving the way we think for the better? Or is this "crack" doing what real crack really does.. <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200807/google" target="_blank">making us more and more and more and more STUPID.</a> The point of this post and question I am asking is, are we more advanced and adept at surviving in an <a href="http://gumpdesign.blogspot.com/2009/06/courtship-of-physical-virtual.html" target="_blank">increasingly digital world</a> because of the way these technologies make us think. I think not. I personally think that this resembles the rats in the Slate article too closely. This information is useless without an actual overarching plan which ties this quest for knowledge with a larger purpose. The senseless bursts of searching and quick finds may help in short-term needs, but for a longer term, evolutionary need, we have to focus this desire to search to a plan. In this vein of increasing desire to find, we find the the law of diminishing marginal returns applies. The "satisfactory" part of our brain is not tied directly to the seeking part, creating a disconnect between the two and then an inability to STOP. "So we find ourselves letting one Google search lead to another, while often feeling the information is not vital and knowing we should stop. 'As long as you sit there, the consumption renews the appetite,' he explains." Think "crackberry"</p><p>Our abilities to intelligently form a strategic plan of "searching" and executing it over a longer term for an increased return is destroyed by our want for senseless short-term spurts of searching and consummation. And repeat.</p>Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-89755462973580933452009-06-19T11:40:00.007-04:002009-06-19T12:01:36.256-04:00The Courtship of Physical & Virtual<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO44IIrcvt2DpQa8uA2wWPO4DvS87LdueqzE39U0hYaag1R42-1TLpDPdeYYf1F_-X9OKSfj5jsaLdbPI3-IVtFCs4oUK6XmdNi12Fkf0znTaNzOA_ilhyeE9F-JMmQi_1LKWV54GzOW9k/s1600-h/air-writing-with-mobile-phones.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO44IIrcvt2DpQa8uA2wWPO4DvS87LdueqzE39U0hYaag1R42-1TLpDPdeYYf1F_-X9OKSfj5jsaLdbPI3-IVtFCs4oUK6XmdNi12Fkf0znTaNzOA_ilhyeE9F-JMmQi_1LKWV54GzOW9k/s320/air-writing-with-mobile-phones.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349064224304121826" /></a>Today, I went to an event by the founders of <a href="http://psfk.com">PSFK</a>, called <a href="http://likemind.us">likemind</a>. It was a "coffee meetup" to be held today, June 19, 2009, in over 40+ countries. I only knew about it, because of my virtual self. My virtual self was introduced to another virtual person a while ago. As those relationships grew, I was invited to this event. A realization. In effect, I was realizing all those online conversations and relationships into a morning coffee meeting.<br /><br />Interestingly enough, as the coffee was poured, the conversation turned from.. so its nice to see you in reality.. to why we were there. We were like minded. The idea that we actually met through our virtual selves dissolved as the meeting went on, and re-evolved post meeting. Meaning, just as quickly as we realized our virtual relationships in the likemind coffee meetup, they returned to the virtual form. Linked-in invitations and emails were sent and received in the hours post meetup. The new people I met in reality, were now my virtual friends too. I think that this is a macro-level product of the blurring between the virtual and real worlds. This is a great social example of what is happening on a grand scale. <a href="http://meetup.com">Meetup</a> by Scott Heiferman (ever-energetic) is a great example of this. Here, people find topics of interest and schedule a time and place to gather. They begin and continue their conversations through the online site, while injecting real meetup experiences as content generators. On a micro level there are technologies which are also blurring this line:<br /><br />Via PSFK:<br />"Engineers at Duke University are developing a new way to enter information into mobile devices. Rather than typing on a keyboard, they have created a way to “air-write” short notes. Using a phone’s built-in accelerometer, their application registers a user’s mid-air writing and translates the gestures into text on screen. There are still details to be worked out so the application functions smoothly, but it’s at the very least an interesting concept."<br /><br />Interesting concept. The interaction between the physical and the virtual is ever more blurred, and technologies like this are exemplifying this on a micro level. As we further bring ourselves to a co-mingling of the two worlds, we are presented with new ways of representation. We begin entering a world where ourselves in reality are constructed by ourselves in virtual-ity. Where do we begin to define the rules for engagement? With the construction of virtual selves (constructed through real interfaces, or virtual interfaces), we explore the notion of virtual relationships and what happens when they become "real" relationships. When they realize.<br /><br />Another awesome mingling of <a href="http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2009/06/interactive_ping-pong_table.html?CMP=OTC-0D6B48984890">virtual and real experiences</a>, by MIT geeks.Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-53755984526167741892009-04-02T10:48:00.004-04:002009-04-02T10:59:58.699-04:00Healthcare in the Design WorldThe consensus seems to be that we must move towards a simplification of our health care processes. Today, at PSFK, I noticed that there were two companies discussing the future of healthcare in the "well designed" world. One company, <a href="http://helpremedies.com">Help Remedies</a> is taking the mystery and "upsell" or flare out of medicine packaging. This seems like a great idea, simplifying the medicine, bring it to pure, austere levels. The pitch was to look at Tylenol rapid release, and the packaging. How much "upsell" there is the package itself, like the Nascar sponsorship (making it feel like they are all about the SPEED, rapid release).<br /><br />Another idea pitched was that for <a href="hellohealth.com">hellohealth.com</a>. Hello health seeks to mediate the doctor process, and SIMPLIFY it through the web. By providing online consultation sessions health care becomes more accessible. They are creating an online forum for rating and reviewing doctors, and providing an advanced interface. But, is this really this case? At $200/hr they have a business model in place (sourcing doctors all over the world, vetting them eventually through community ratings, and capturing the profit), but it doesn't help the less fortunate. Those who have the access to computers and the internet (in its ubiquity) but are miles away from being able to spend so much on a short term consultation does not improve the process. <br /><br />Also, for those who are lucky enough to have health care, I assume are not willing to absorb this cost. They want to pass the cost on to their insurance agency (as would I). This is a fixable issue, once the case is persuaded to the agencies. <br /><br />The bigger issue with hellohealth is, are we seriously ready to let go of the need of the touch of the doctor. The real interaction, in person, provides me with a better feeling of security that my ailments have been properly evaluated, instead me trying to type it in and send it to a doc via email or video chat.Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-48271996617296156462008-04-22T12:14:00.004-04:002008-04-22T12:25:40.327-04:00State of Greenwashing on this Earthday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJrG9eWeGy_ZMrroVmZbTxalrD-pS2KkOnn2i77T8UE7rx5s8oCVnw5x4D7BSkrKZTsWhj8NXQJPzaKHYTSXG_cu-4HzRw5Dqgs-lBZtTL3MGrkZmailDwVPLPa6dSG_-ICuvTVUlpMUQ/s1600-h/greenwash.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJrG9eWeGy_ZMrroVmZbTxalrD-pS2KkOnn2i77T8UE7rx5s8oCVnw5x4D7BSkrKZTsWhj8NXQJPzaKHYTSXG_cu-4HzRw5Dqgs-lBZtTL3MGrkZmailDwVPLPa6dSG_-ICuvTVUlpMUQ/s400/greenwash.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192104102155094818" /></a><div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p>Greenwashing, or the practice of marketing false claims of corporate responsibility is a response to growing consumer trends of conscious buying, specifically tailored to exploit this burgeoning conscious. Grown out of the "whitewashing" term for covering misdeeds, consistency and financial sourcing both can indicate the degree of truthfulness in a "green" campaign. </p> <p/> <p>"The Record" of Stockton, CA did an informal "review" of consumer products found in a neighborhood store and come up with these types of statistics:</p> <ul> <li>1,018 consumer products analyzed</li> <li>Only one did not make false or misleading claims (TerraChoice)</li> <li>Most used hidden tradeoffs <ul> <li>One environmental advance at the cost of others</li> <li>End result is a greener image on the shoulders of the minor advanc</li> </ul> </li> <li>A review of garden products found that 10% of all claims were meaningless</li> </ul> <p>As a result of this blatant disregard for brand transparancy and authenticity towards sustainability communications, the FTC has decided to impose new regulations in a crackdown on greenwashing (Washington Post 3/4/08). In new proposed regulations, the responsbility for the authenticity of the communciation will fall on the brand manager. With the last review and modifcation to guidelines in 1998, time is up for a change.</p> <p>Brands play a dangerous game when they practice false advertising, consumers can end up hating or vilifying the brand and it can alienate the consumer from what is supposed to be a transparant process.</p> <p>Brands need to practice brand-balancing and understand regultory, distribution, competitive, investor, and general public pressures that face the company. If they find that they are aligining hot topics with little substance, trying to have superhero image, walking a fine line between truth and lies, and generally ignorning consumer dialog, the brand will find that they will not perform up to expectations through their "green" marketing. We found that the brand story needs to be consistent and measured against consumer benefits, and teach consumers. Also enabling brands that allow consumers choices and options and invite them to be a part of the ongoing dialogue about their needs and wants in terms of sustainability and transparancy, will be more effetive green communications. </p></div>Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-24157454541045181052008-04-07T13:54:00.004-04:002012-11-05T16:36:02.109-05:00FreshDirect in NYC<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoNDvWLJx6ly4j1WAJbwqi-mggxk4t9ht0KKerHvFKnX4hVkDfbNR1ZomL_anN_DjSWhZDq1WHs8I1F7X1oemY0Khqo4Qf3CtSusO9n4dESB67judLutB1rkd-JHq0-GgsyV5PwFkjbvq/s1600-h/food_3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5186563784729204946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoNDvWLJx6ly4j1WAJbwqi-mggxk4t9ht0KKerHvFKnX4hVkDfbNR1ZomL_anN_DjSWhZDq1WHs8I1F7X1oemY0Khqo4Qf3CtSusO9n4dESB67judLutB1rkd-JHq0-GgsyV5PwFkjbvq/s400/food_3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px;" /></a>FreshDirect faces a few strategic issues and problems in the expansion and development of their made to order grocery delivery system. While the company focused its efforts on cost reduction through its centralized warehouse and producing efficiency as a core competency in the fresh grocery delivery market, key competition, excessive waste, and negative public relations exposure all deal FreshDirect a problematic hand.<br />
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One of the largest strategic obstacles for FreshDirect is the negative publicity it currently endures. Although the company is taking steps to align itself in a positive light, fallout from negligent practices have ultimately hurt the company's ability to thrive in a community based environment. Customer perception starts to become a key factor in competitive staying power as the market matures, and with over 10 years of market maturity, this started to become a factor. Negative perception and publicity of FreshDirect largely stemmed from public awareness of its negative environmental impact. <br />
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Firstly, the conveyer packing system forced FreshDirect to use an excess quantity of cardboard boxes. Without a strategic and well thought out packaging return system, FreshDirect was seen as a squanderer of precious paper products. <br />
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Second, the oversized and often times under stocked delivery trucks that congested New York streets were of concern not only for local residents but worldwide citizens as well. The trucks could be easily replaced with energy efficient, smaller, hybrid powered trucks but were nevertheless larger, more dirty, and smog producting trucks that negatively affected the chemical makeup of the local air and globally impacted global warming reduction efforts. <br />
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Finally, negative publicity and protest against FreshDirect came from their impact on local businesses (i.e. grocers in neighborhoods) and how they could undersell and eventually breakdown these community landmarks. These local industries provide safety, foot traffic, and physical interaction in neighborhoods. <br />
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FreshDirect has only taken only to rectify the latter of the above causes for the overall strategic planning issue of negative publicity. Even in this case they have not totally cured the problem at hand, but instead are starting to contribute to local economies by sourcing their stock from local and organic farmers. On the other causal factors, FreshDirect has neglected to address them. The packaging and delivery trucks remain to be detrimental requirements of FreshDirect’s continued operation and thus prove to pose a serious risk in an industry that is centered upon responsible and clean reputations.</div>
Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-73609739923579640432008-02-08T12:33:00.001-05:002008-04-22T12:25:51.481-04:00iPhone: Planning vs. Implementation (REVISIT)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOqNefA2Kn2LFJbALFJP2QyWa2CNRpasQPZGL7L8jqLmcit2Vp7us0QN-P39vqVER1whXurmu3no_61NhZ0eEaP3w7bGA0TO0YcShVRPUec0qLm-v-y618AOOabsOg-kwrrKa5SQl-YtJ/s1600-h/apple_iphone_blackberry_pearl.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOqNefA2Kn2LFJbALFJP2QyWa2CNRpasQPZGL7L8jqLmcit2Vp7us0QN-P39vqVER1whXurmu3no_61NhZ0eEaP3w7bGA0TO0YcShVRPUec0qLm-v-y618AOOabsOg-kwrrKa5SQl-YtJ/s320/apple_iphone_blackberry_pearl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164673310895639298" /></a><br />One year ago, in January of 2007 <a href="http://gumpdesign.blogspot.com/2007/01/iphone-planning-vs-implementation.html">I posted an item about the introduction of the iPhone.</a> Referencing the unorthodox nature of its advanced announcement and marketing efforts, and its intuitive interface, the analysis was one of those who would pay and those who would abstain. Quote from the original article: <blockquote>What the iPhone does for us creative types is help provide an alternative to the highly formal blackberry or treo. We are no longer mislabeled by the phone we carry, and we can succumb to our ever-vocal choice in electronics</blockquote>I would like to update this commentary, based on recent developments of the iPhone market.<br /><br />The value embedded in owning the iPhone is incredible. Just like my previous analysis: <blockquote>Apple knows it has cornered a certain type of market and is seeking to expand that market everyday (see the latest TV ads obviously geared towards older PC-using men).</blockquote>There is incredible value in the conspicuous ownership of the iPhone, as is a functional benefit. Nonetheless, I still know of, and see, here in New York, many many people required to utilize two phones because of the ever-difficult business functionality of the iPhone. Blackberry and iPhone ownership represent the dual nature of the business telecommuter. One for play and one for work. The weak email application is partially to blame for this observation.<br /><br />Additionally, the iPhone has lost control of its inventory. <a href="ttp://www.techshout.com/mobile-phones/2008/06/apple-iphone-and-ipod-touch-capacities-doubled/">With over 1.7 MILLION phones missing, of the some 3.1 million produced, the "unlocked"</a> iPhone black market is HUGE. A large percentage of these missing and unaccounted for phones <a href="http://www.informationweek.com/industries/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=206102093">are surfacing in markets</a> where the iPhone does not even have a carrier arrangement: Thailand, Hong Kong, India, Eastern bloc european countries.<br /><br />Here, the iPhone is unlocked and then distributed as a hacked phone, with the ability to insert a SIM card and use on local wireless carriers. This, I feel, is represented by the iPhone's strict standards because of their carrier contracts, like here in the US with AT&T. <br /><br />The iPhone carries with it that inherent playful and intuitive value, that Apple so cleverly has accomplished in its brand recognition, yet the facts are cold and true:<br /><ul><li>Millions of phones are already hacked and have circumvented Apple's ability to profit off of its carrier contracts.</li><li>Apple does not utilize business productivity as one of the driving factors of selling its device, thus requiring many business people to keep two phones (one blackberry) if they want an iPhone</li><li>The iPhone's post launch price drop and recent introduction of new and superior models have soured some Apple fans.</li></ul><br /><br /><br /><b><a href="http://gumpdesign.blogspot.com/2007/01/iphone-planning-vs-implementation.html">PREVIOUS POST, iPhone PLANNING VS IMPLEMENTATION</a></b>Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-20233582829449934762008-01-27T15:35:00.000-05:002008-01-27T15:41:22.223-05:00The Power of Viral Marketing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjuVCoRseP7p9f-OqXeIrPlnj7DxpFV67_EH4CnnrcdeMpubKeLntS_o9C6hm4bhk91BO2C8wxOR3Wl4BuuXLFNsABD9B61xlkbYXqudPHrJsLI_Mwao8pXjyDgZ0G4OIVehz6uJXEPRJ/s1600-h/Zen_Viral_Marketing.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjuVCoRseP7p9f-OqXeIrPlnj7DxpFV67_EH4CnnrcdeMpubKeLntS_o9C6hm4bhk91BO2C8wxOR3Wl4BuuXLFNsABD9B61xlkbYXqudPHrJsLI_Mwao8pXjyDgZ0G4OIVehz6uJXEPRJ/s320/Zen_Viral_Marketing.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160258097400253170" /></a>Recent efforts that I have started to further a notable cause was struck with hard negative pressure, in terms of my ability to secure and transmit the reason for being and purpose for joining in the cause for which I was working (Sustainability). This was until I secured the efforts of my efforts in viral marketing.<br /><br />By utilizing my existing social networks and established and related facebook group, I was able to quickly (in 1/1000th the time) secure the syndicate of information for which I was seeking and able to see my registrations of interested people exponentially grow over two days.<br /><br />Incredibly, messages sent through my facebook group for sustainability were returned within minutes, not hours or days, and with more enthusiasm than my face to face efforts at Parsons.<br /><br />Moreover, membership in my group grew, hits to the official website generated with inertia.Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-17282884622843419012008-01-13T17:47:00.001-05:002008-01-13T17:58:53.435-05:00Suggestive Authors on Our Current Ecological CrisisWe are in the starts of the crisis of our era, our degradation of our social and environmental framework. A large part of my personal education rotates around the sustainability movement. In one of my courses, I dissected different notable authors and their sociological explanations of why we are at this pith of human survival. The following short paragraphs are taken out of one of my final exams at Parsons.<br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynn_white" target="_blank">Lynn White's</a> thesis about Judeo-Christian anthropocentrism is a causal factor of our current ecological crisis. He states that because of prevailing Judeo-Christian values. From the start of religious experiences, we have seen values imposed upon followers which refer to anthropocentrism as a pivotal norm. The preachings and writings have led to a people-centered mindset, in terms of ecological harmonization. The values passed through religious medium instruct people that "man" has mastery over nature, and that we are to exploit its resources (to some degree). This implicates generations of environmental misconduct, leading to crisis.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/170/3957/508">Lewis Moncrief</a> critiques Lynn White's thesis, and while he does not refute it, he writes an alternative explanation, which indirectly includes White's thesis. Moncrief writes that because of democratization and capitalism we have increased population, wealth, urbanization, and industrialization (India, China..). These resulting factors are, and have been, the cause of our environmental crises. Moncrief writes on White that, Judeo-Christian values did play a contributing factor to democratization and capitalism, and this could be indirectly involved. Moncrief also writes that environmental degradation has been occuring since before Judeo-Christian values prevailed.Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-36332867324343384862008-01-01T12:29:00.000-05:002008-01-01T12:32:56.195-05:00-- Flash -- Age of Conversation Monkey Hits My Table<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYzeFIlcUCFvq3sSL4Hly7nwlRhdCH7Xo-7umz0q6fvJfdpkvdbq8rl1IPmEKOx1vZUz0SGb5Uqpw6dxe8DzlPEDLZ_gXGMx3Blmgjlud4OChwQ4eC5KJCBh3bFSxo-bnjY3FLq2M9IjN/s1600-h/P1000734.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYzeFIlcUCFvq3sSL4Hly7nwlRhdCH7Xo-7umz0q6fvJfdpkvdbq8rl1IPmEKOx1vZUz0SGb5Uqpw6dxe8DzlPEDLZ_gXGMx3Blmgjlud4OChwQ4eC5KJCBh3bFSxo-bnjY3FLq2M9IjN/s400/P1000734.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5150562135954164098" /></a><br />He wants a hug before he sends off to Ohio!Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-57743357686884060632007-12-01T01:43:00.001-05:002007-12-01T01:43:22.505-05:00Blog: <a href="http://www.flux.com/0FCFAFFFF000EA49800080005BAB6/"><img src="http://files3.fluxstatic.com/0005BAB6000EA4980008FCFAFFFF/Jpg/B-1284/AR120x120,Resize" style="margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; float: left; clear: left;"></a><div>Source: <a href="http://www.flux.com/0FCFAFFFF000EA49800080005BAB6/">whysustain</a></div><div><a href="http://www.flux.com/0FCFAFFFF000EA49800080005BAB6/">http://www.flux.com/0FCFAFFFF000EA49800080005BAB6/</a></div><p>Parsons Sustainable Design Review has teamed up with Design 21, a Non-Profit commited to improving life through social design.<br><br>Please become a membe… <a href="http://www.flux.com/0FCFAFFFF000EA49800080005BAB6/">more</a></p><div style="clear: left;"></div>Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-36107365261154935522007-11-29T17:52:00.000-05:002007-11-29T17:55:28.776-05:00What Am I Talking About?I talk a lot of gibberish, but this is the age of conversation, and apparently somebody is listening while I am blabbing.<br /><br />From the desk of B. Glazo:<br />Drew writes about the changes - including a move to Amazon - <a href="http://www.drewsmarketingminute.com/2007/11/age-of-conversa.html">here</a>. You still have time this week to grab a couple copies at the initial price level. It would be nice for the book to get a good bump before holiday time descends upon us. I mean, when was the last time you were able to be part of the <a href="http://blog.creativethink.com/2007/07/talking-to-ours.html">Internet crashing</a> to a standstill? <a href="http://canuckflack.com/2007/11/24/age-of-conversation-makes-a-great-holiday-gift/">Everybody</a> <a href="http://technomarketer.typepad.com/technomarketer/2007/11/conversation-fo.html">seems</a> <a href="http://www.scottmonty.com/2007/11/act-now-last-chance.html">to be</a> <a href="http://toddand.com/2007/11/23/the-age-of-conversation-going-amazon/">talking </a><a href="http://theengagingbrand.typepad.com/the_engaging_brand_/2007/11/age-of-conversa.html">about</a> <a href="http://flooringtheconsumer.blogspot.com/2007/11/extra-extra-age-of-conversation-on.html">the news</a> - Chris even suggests trying to <a href="http://freshpeel.com/2007/11/the-age-of-conversation-bum-rush-on-dec-14th/">explode</a> the web on December 14 :)<br /><br />Remember it comes down to helping <a href="http://www.varietychildrenscharity.org/">Variety</a> - its mission is children.<br /><br />The quality, breadth and diversity of these contributors continues to astound me.<br /><p><a href="http://servantofchaos.typepad.com/">Gavin Heaton</a>, <a href="http://drewsmarketingminute.com/">Drew McLellan</a>, <a href="http://www.ck-blog.com/cks_blog/">CK</a>, <a href="http://www.conversationagent.com/">Valeria Maltoni</a>, <a href="http://www.conformistsunite.com/">Emily Reed</a>, <a href="http://katiechatfield.wordpress.com/">Katie Chatfield</a>, <a href="http://gregverdino.typepad.com/greg_verdinos_blog">Greg Verdino</a>, <a href="http://www.theviralgarden.com%20/">Mack Collier</a>, <a href="http://lgbusinesssolutions.typepad.com/solutions_to_grow_your_bu/">Lewis Green</a>, <a href="http://www.mpdailyfix.com/">Ann Handley</a>, <a href="http://www.converstations.com/">Mike Sansone</a>, <a href="http://heehawmarketing.typepad.com/hee_haw_marketing/">Paul McEnany</a>, <a href="http://blog.creativethink.com/">Roger von Oech</a>, <a href="http://theengagingbrand.typepad.com/the_engaging_brand_/">Anna Farmery</a>, <a href="http://darmano.typepad.com/logic_emotion/">David Armano</a>, <a href="http://onereaderatatime.blogspot.com/">Bob Glaza</a>, <a href="http://transmissionmarketing.ca/">Mark Goren</a>, <a href="http://technomarketer.typepad.com/">Matt Dickman</a>, <a href="http://www.scottmonty.com/">Scott Monty</a>, <a href="http://www.adliterate.com/">Richard Huntington</a>, <a href="http://www.chaosscenario.com/main/">Cam Beck</a>, <a href="http://www.reichcomm.typepad.com/">David Reich</a>, <a href="http://mindblob.typepad.com/">Luc Debaisieux</a>, <a href="http://www.craphammer.ca/">Sean Howard</a>, <a href="http://masiguy.blogspot.com/">Tim Jackson</a>, <a href="http://www.lonelymarketer.com/">Patrick Schaber</a>, <a href="http://www.copywritingmaven.com/the_copywriting_maven/">Roberta Rosenberg</a>, <a href="http://uwehook.blogspot.com/">Uwe Hook</a>, <a href="http://successfromthenest.com/">Tony D. Clark</a>, <a href="http://toddand.com/">Todd Andrlik</a>, <a href="http://www.divamarketingblog.com/">Toby Bloomberg</a>, <a href="http://www.stickyfigure.com/">Steve Woodruff</a>, <a href="http://www.sbannister.com/">Steve Bannister</a>, <a href="http://www.allthingsworkplace.com/">Steve Roesler</a>, <a href="http://branddna.blogspot.com/">Stanley Johnson</a>, <a href="http://www.brainsonfire.com/blog">Spike Jones</a>, <a href="http://giddlebits.wordpress.com/">Nathan Snell</a>, <a href="http://simonpayn.typepad.com/">Simon Payn</a>, <a href="http://rrasmussen.tumblr.com/">Ryan Rasmussen</a>, <a href="http://marketingroi.wordpress.com/">Ron Shevlin</a>, <a href="http://www.modernmagellans.com/">Roger Anderson</a>, <a href="http://middlezonemusings.com/">Robert Hruzek</a>, <a href="http://gumpdesign.blogspot.com/">Rishi Desai</a>, <a href="http://makeitgreat.typepad.com/makeitgreat/">Phil Gerbyshak</a>, <a href="http://www.advercation.com/">Peter Corbett</a>, <a href="http://www.thebuddygroup.com/">Pete Deutschman</a>, <a href="http://www.nick-rice.com/">Nick Rice</a>, <a href="http://virtualmarketingandmedia.blogspot.com/">Nick Wright</a>, <a href="http://marketingmonster.wordpress.com/">Michael Morton</a>, <a href="http://herd.typepad.com/">Mark Earls</a>, <a href="http://www.smoblog.com/">Mark Blair</a>, <a href="http://vellandi.wordpress.com/">Mario Vellandi</a>, <a href="http://modadimagno.blogspot.com/">Lori Magno</a>, <a href="http://writenowisgood.typepad.com/write_now_is_good">Kristin Gorski</a>, <a href="http://crossthebreeze.com/">Kris Hoet</a>, <a href="http://annansi.com/blog/">G. Kofi Annan</a>, <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/kimberlydawnwells">Kimberly Dawn Wells</a>, <a href="http://experiencecurve.com/">Karl Long</a>, <a href="http://www.thedozenblog.com/">Julie Fleischer</a>, <a href="http://www.telltenfriends.com/">Jordan Behan</a>, <a href="http://www.mil-media.com/">John La Grou</a>, <a href="http://www.happyburroblog.com/">Joe Raasch</a>, <a href="http://www.jimkukral.com/">Jim Kukral</a>, <a href="http://indexed.blogspot.com/">Jessica Hagy</a>, <a href="http://www.marketingideablog.com/">Janet Green</a>, <a href="http://www.jameyshiels.com/">Jamey Shiels</a>, <a href="http://www.customerthink.com/gurublog/graham_hill">Dr. Graham Hill</a>, <a href="http://www.bizandbuzz.blogspot.com/">Gia Facchini</a>, <a href="http://brandopia.wordpress.com/">Geert Desager</a>, <a href="http://gauravonomics.com/">Gaurav Mishra</a>, <a href="http://www.garyschoeniger.com/">Gary Schoeniger</a>, <a href="http://www.garethkay.com/">Gareth Kay</a>, <a href="http://farisyakob.typepad.com/">Faris Yakob</a>, <a href="http://libraryrevolution.com/">Emily Clasper</a>, <a href="http://www.influxinsights.com/">Ed Cotton</a>, <a href="http://shakegently.com/">Dustin Jacobsen</a>, <a href="http://www.directortom.com/">Tom Clifford</a>, <a href="http://blog.brandexperiencelab.org/">David Polinchock</a>, <a href="http://www.mokummarketing.com/blog/">David Koopmans</a>, <a href="http://www.journamarketing.com/">David Brazeal</a>, <a href="http://www.marketersstudio.com/">David Berkowitz</a>, <a href="http://thoughtsphilosophies.com/">Carolyn Manning</a>, <a href="http://mediahunter.typepad.com/">Craig Wilson</a>, <a href="http://www.marketinghipster.com/">Cord Silverstein</a>, <a href="http://www.everydotconnects.com/">Connie Reece</a>, <a href="http://canuckflack.com/">Colin McKay</a>, <a href="http://lighthousecommunications.typepad.com/talkingpoint/">Chris Newlan</a>, <a href="http://www.chriscorrigan.com/parkinglot">Chris Corrigan</a>, <a href="http://www.cedricgiorgi.com/">Cedric Giorgi</a>, <a href="http://www.thinkingaboutmedia.com/">Brian Reich</a>, <a href="http://customersrock.wordpress.com/">Becky Carroll</a>, <a href="http://arunrajagopal.com/">Arun Rajagopal</a>, <a href="http://www.andynulman.com%20/">Andy Nulman</a>, <a href="http://www.shapingyouth.org/blog">Amy Jussel</a>, <a href="http://kimklaverblogs.blogspot.com/">Kim Klaver</a>, <a href="http://www.purplewren.com/">Sandy Renshaw</a>, <a href="http://wf360.com/about-blog.htm">Susan Bird</a>, <a href="http://ryanbarrett.typepad.com/">Ryan Barrett</a>, <a href="http://www.troyworman.com/wordpress/">Troy Worman</a>, <a href="http://flooringtheconsumer.blogspot.com/">CB Whittemore</a>, <a href="http://vinebergcommunications.com/">S. Neil Vineberg</a></p></p>Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-88525800965888255432007-11-29T17:25:00.000-05:002007-11-29T17:27:30.645-05:00Emergence of PoeticsThe emergence of poetics in design is an underlying motif of complete design: that which encompasses the emotional and physical need to inhabit, utilize, or observe. The emergence of the poetic in design is regulated by, not by the designer, but by the design’s user. The world of users – at – large, constitute the ability to begin, exist, and finish the body poetic.<br /><br />Aristotle speaks of mimesis in man’s natural activity, and the pleasure derived thereof. Moreover, by leveraging the mimetic nature to engage the audience in purposeful unexpected use, we have built what Aristotle defines as “superior” theme. The correlation that we can derive from this, in light of Zambonini;s writings, can be see in the process of Design. The process of designing with the audience, in order to better impact this audience, is the basis of the poetic in design, in my view. This process will inculcate the ability to encompass the underlying emotional needs and physical (practical) needs of the audience. The poetic here is defined as the “completeness” of a designed artifact or space.<br /><br />The beginning (start), middle (existence), and end (conclusion) are defined as the body-poetic in the designed artifact or space. Aristotle appropriately touches upon this aspect in Chapter 7, where this information has helped lend my sense of order in this the amalgam and amorphous world of poetics. The structure so defined, is helping to define my personal interpretation of this course – and the writings (which at times are very confusing and often increasing my frustration with the course). His use of “beginning” is appropriately stated as that which does not necessarily have a connection to the previous, but brings rise to some other fact or ideal. I have implemented this aspect of thinking in understanding the processes which formulate design, in order to understand the poetic in design. The “whole” is constituted and “unleashed” by a complete development of design in conjunction with the audience’s way of receiving and understanding.<br /><br />It is through this involvement and process that we can see the poetic existing as an artifact or space of appropriate scale, impact, and efficient usage (my interpretation of poetics in design). The scope of architects today are far reaching, as they define what and where we exist and live. In this avenue of reasoning, we can find raison d’etre of understanding the poetic. In order to achieve optimal efficiency (in usage, impact, and scale), the designer is bound to developing a set of plans that inculcate the desired audience in the process. Through this, the necessity to bring rise to ideals of the designer’s intention are presented as unobstructed, given that the start, middle, and end are independently created through the audience’s feedback. This gives space to give rise to the said fact or ideal, and allows for the message to be communicated freely.<br /><br />In my understanding, the poetic is nurtured through the desired usage, inhabitance, or observance of the designed artifact or space. By the designer seeing the intended audience executing these tasks, in vivo, he sees the poetic of his work (the unfettered ideal) nurtured and subsequently living. The start, middle, and end are used in this context as understanding that the design’s poetic itself has a requirement of knowing how to begin and exist, and end, thus completing the requirement of being a emotional encompassing design.Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-43770442086879101772007-11-29T17:19:00.000-05:002007-11-29T17:24:15.754-05:00Trials and Tribulations of ManagementI was recently invited to become the project manager for a new company, and its associated business plan and launch program. I was hired, because I had worked with the sponsoring company before as a consultant and they saw that I was results oriented.<br /><br />It was difficult though, I was responsible for managing a team to bring a product to launch, while simultaneously being out of the inner circle of creative of the sponsoring company. Not only this, but the owner of the sponsoring company was a designer. Hence him hiring me to manage the people, time, money, and other resources to bring product to launch.<br /><br />Berkin talks about making things happen, and that is exactly what I was required to do here. Nonetheless, there were some experiences that were didactic and humiliating.<br /><br />An ordered list was the priority of my start of project planning with the company. Moreover, inculcating the creative views of the team was paramount to my success here, and that includes working with them on the priorities list. This is something that I did not do originally, causing unspoken animosity. The team thought that I had assumed (and egotistically) the list was without regard to their thoughts. That I was there to order them.<br /><br />Recommendations in this avenue, going forward, would be to have that initial pre-meeting meeting. One where voices are heard, accepted, discussed, and established. Moreover, I find it beneficial (especially with creative, in the interest of making deadlines) to set aside a meeting time for this. A few hours, but the catch here is that this is the limitation of input. In order to move forward, we can’t sit and discuss a creative possibility over a certain limit. This limit forces constraints upon the discussion, and therefore ensures that results will be generated.<br /><br />Directly following this step, is the outline of tasks, milestones, and resources projections. The important step here, is a consideration towards the systemic nature of a creative project. This systemic factor is why there is a project manager. If something were to change in the finance aspect of things, or a delivery date, then this will have a rippling effect throughout the project plan. Berkin was right when he said “make sure that they always map to each other” in reference to the deliverables, resources, and overall plan.Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-26313335157851309192007-07-14T03:59:00.000-04:002007-12-21T14:25:44.552-05:00Some of my work...LOCAL BLOGGER A PART OF FIRST-EVER <br />WORLDWIDE BLOG COLLABORATION <br /><br />Rishi Desai a student of Parsons The New School for Design in New York City is one of 104 marketing bloggers from 10 nations authoring The Age of Conversation, an e-book to benefit children’s charity<br /><br />New York City -- A local blogger is part of what may be a first-of-its-kind collaboration via the internet, involving more than 100 marketing professionals who blog from 24 states and 10 nations. Rishi Desai of New York City joined online with other bloggers to write The Age of Conversation, a book that will be published July 16. In addition to the downloadable e-version, the book will be available in hardcover and softcover. All proceeds from sales of the book will be donated to Variety, the Children’s Charity. <br /><br />The book has an unusual story behind it, involving online connections between people around the world who have never met each other.<br /><br />Drew McLellan, who heads McLellan Marketing Group, an advertising agency here, has been writing a blog online for since September 2006. His blog is among the 25 most-read marketing blogs in the world. McLellan’s partner in this adventure is another marketing blogger in the top 25, Gavin Heaton. Heaton is the Interactive Director of one of the world’s leading marketing and promotions agencies, Creata, where he is Director of Interactive.<br /><br />In March, McLellan wrote about Wharton’s effort to create a collaborative book and Heaton commented, “And it sounds like it could be fun ... but you know what, Drew? I reckon between a few of us we could knock out a short book and publish it. All we need is a theme and a charity ... “<br /><br />“Three e-mails later, we had named the book and the charity. It just fell into place, McLellan said. “The Age of Conversation was the prefect topic. The marketing industry is abuzz about how the citizen marketers are changing the landscape. This book captures that new phenomenon,” he added.<br /><br />McLellan and Heaton, through their blogs, invited other marketing professionals and other bloggers to commit to writing an essay about conversation. They set what they thought would be an impossible goal – 100 bloggers. They received commitments from 104 authors in less than 7 days.<br /><br />“What began as a comment online has grown into a major collaborative effort by marketing professionals from 24 states and nations, beyond the U.S.,” said McLellan. “Gavin and I were overwhelmed with the response.”<br /><br />“We heard from people, telling us what they planned to write about,” Heaton added. “We’ve been amazed at the variety of approaches that have been taken, and with hardly any duplication or overlap. This book really explores the art of conversation and how that is changing the face of marketing from virtually every angle possible.”<br /><br />My contribution is already printed for you below..<br /><br />A fellow marketing blogger in New York, Christina Kerley, had just lost her mother and many in the marketing blogging community were looking for a way to comfort her from afar. McLellan and Heaton decided that they would dedicate the book to Sandra Kerley, their colleague’s mother.<br /><br />The Age of Conversation will be available in all three formats on July 16. Prices will be:<br />e-book: $9.99 ($7.99 going to charity)<br />paperback book: $16.95 ($8.10 to charity)<br />hardback book: $29.99 ($8.55 to charity)<br /><br />Orders will be taken online at: http://stores.lulu.com/ageofconversationRishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-73349651053699123942007-06-09T14:15:00.000-04:002007-06-09T14:21:45.472-04:00Authenticity in Design: What¿?¿The notion of authenticity is a motif that seems to be surfacing in this time. Transparancy, authenticity, and trust... things that I can refer my relationships to. This doesn´t seem to surprise me that it is becoming apparant to ¨people¨ that a secure and authentic connection to their designed environments is ever important.<br /><br />Moreover, recognizing that the design of the table at which you sit needs to be authentic is a difficult idea to understand. By this, I mean that you must see the designer´s true intentions manifested in the design that you use, and those intentions were not distorted for other purposes.<br /><br />But what are a designer´s intentions? I think a designer´s intentions should be that which one designs for facil use.Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-87994912778249515422007-04-30T13:51:00.000-04:002007-04-30T13:53:53.409-04:00Facilitate Better Learning by Breaking The Cycle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoBArRW1uclb2Fui8FhzittQUnkFkme1zYujrzBWlMEv_o7Dlg8xyaAX18F43lX8TNyvAxe3ps0scC4ixZX2khx0mn2_p9MvH6O6XyQaRUKRnqxSpA_LBKP_Jy2RIYBFIXotP7Olj6UOV/s1600-h/insight1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoBArRW1uclb2Fui8FhzittQUnkFkme1zYujrzBWlMEv_o7Dlg8xyaAX18F43lX8TNyvAxe3ps0scC4ixZX2khx0mn2_p9MvH6O6XyQaRUKRnqxSpA_LBKP_Jy2RIYBFIXotP7Olj6UOV/s400/insight1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5059280728780111826" /></a>Conversations are taking place all around us, and in this Conversation Age, we are looking to learn a thing or two from them. My idea for this chapter came while reading an article in Harvard Business Review by Chris Argyris.<br /><br />What is the quality of insight gained for the curator of the conversation? Moreover, ask yourself the question, are we addressing the more fundamental impulsions behind the responses from the newly formed community of conversationalists?<br /><br />As the curator of the conversation, you are seeking to learn from the players involved. But also, you are seeking to further facilitate and massage the conversation forward with hopes to gain maximum insight. The problem arises with curatorial benevolence. <br /><br />The curator strays from questioning the assumptions and fundamental biases in responses from the players of the conversation. These assumptions and fundamental biases are laid in the early formation of the group involved. A sense of communal identification is borne from active listening, conscious participation, and purposeful speaking. <br />This initial process of respectful engagement will inherently lay a foundation that must be shaken for optimal insight. Most importantly, as this identity develops, the curator usually takes a passive role. Passivity is the result of the curator’s fear that he or she will discourage the players from participation. <br /><br />This passivity is a disservice to net learning. As a sense of community develops, fundamental assumptions are not addressed behind player responses. A cyclical process of learning develops as a result. The sense of communal assumptions (identification) with other conversationalists contributes to closing the circle, further continuing the cyclical process. This continues until the curator steps in to question the communal assumptions, thus breaking the circle, and allowing for deeper insight.<br /><br />The curator must act as a catalyst at his or her recognition of this cyclical learning. The curator must seek to disturb the harmony when they detect cyclical or homogeneous responses, by questioning fundamental impulsions behind the responses. They are not destroying communal identification, but allowing for a more sustainable and beneficial learning process. Argryis calls this the double loop and single loop phenomenon, I am adapting it here, calling it “a need for cyclical breakout.”Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-67446000007811931112007-04-06T13:15:00.000-04:002007-04-06T15:12:38.163-04:00Are Designers the Enemy Of Design?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF49nX7_mKQFlufhcgY70o-mfUj3VEYtlWycNCp3xls2btjheZFZTB3jrR7FMVIjlkx07b6nP-KQvdL0xGtEKFDyF1K_WiZIIKw7hC8M6ECI5n2lmMP0dyluUkTr4M1cjVSAxVmMfKt2NE/s1600-h/stark_sok.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF49nX7_mKQFlufhcgY70o-mfUj3VEYtlWycNCp3xls2btjheZFZTB3jrR7FMVIjlkx07b6nP-KQvdL0xGtEKFDyF1K_WiZIIKw7hC8M6ECI5n2lmMP0dyluUkTr4M1cjVSAxVmMfKt2NE/s200/stark_sok.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5050374728041939634" /></a>Nussbaum recently <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/innovate/NussbaumOnDesign/archives/2007/03/are_designers_t.html" target="_blank">gave a talk at my school, that caused quite the stir.</a> He details how the dynamic and evolution of the design process has brought us to this new form of design, where everyone is a designer and that design by ego is destroying the potential and requisite of today's designs. (Pic: Philip Stark Juicer)<br /><br />Nussbaum said that "designers suck" and are in need of a paradigm shift for sustainability. I have to agree, but disagree. As a student of Design Management, we are not IN NEED of a paradigm shift, at least I don't see that, but rather, we are undergoing a paradigm shift. To me, when I graduate in a year, I will work in a market where sustainability is presumed to take importance. Maybe bottom line business men will tell me otherwise, but more and more I am reading of how they, too, now realize the impetus in sustainability to grow that bottom line over time.<br /><br />As we breed this new form of designer, we are making history, in fact, defining the management of the process. Design management is the facilitation of the design process in the interests of all of those at stake. This inculcates sustainability amongst other things, but it is not apparent (reference to apple's counter-sustainable products).<br /><br />My thoughts? In response, <a href="http://www.nextd.org/pdf_download/NextD_SPECIALISSUE.pdf" target="blank">NextD did a whole write up</a> drawing from the brightest minds in design of today and yesterday. There is strong potential in society for sustainability and participatory design. This process and its importance in the administration of business is exemplified by the emergence of Design&Management departments at Parsons, Pratt, Stanford, and Harvard.<br /><br />This nascent industry embodies the profit-potential held in participatory design while strongly entertaining sustainability as a priority before achieving anything with popular culture. I would know, I am a student who is on the receiving end of courses and lectures of design management training.<br /><br />I am frankly excited by the emergence of this MANAGEMENT-DESIGN pedagogy, as it transfers power to those who know and appreciate from those who are ignorant... so designers don't suck, business sucks. Good thing though, because as I see it, business models for the day after tomorrow are being learned today, in dschools.Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-11722278105940900912007-03-10T22:41:00.000-05:002007-03-10T22:44:43.433-05:00One Shape For All and For All One Shape<a href="http://home.att.net/~AllanMcNYC/shapesproject.jpeg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://home.att.net/~AllanMcNYC/shapesproject.jpeg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Alan McCollum, who turns 63 this year, has a long-standing interest in formal replication, and his work frequently addresses questions of materiality and value. (His installations lead one to rapidly conclude that the lofty promises of modernism aren't likely to be fulfilled anytime soon: here in McCollum's orbit, more = less.) He also possesses the entrepreneurial spirit that has come to characterize a number of contemporary artists who think pluralistically about making work. His shapes, for example, can be used for many different purposes, “not only for fine art and design projects,” notes his gallery’s press release, “but also for various social practices: as gifts, awards, identity markers, emblems, insignias, logos, toys, souvenirs, educational tools and so forth.”<br /><br />The relationship between shapes and social practices is, at its core, an essential design conceit — from typographic identity to architectural megastructure, giving form to ideas is what designers do. But McCollum’s project goes beyond mere morphology, embracing a kind of über-solution in its very claim. Endlessly permutable, teeming with indefinite potential, McCollum’s strategic genius lies in his appeal to a culture hungry for the quick fix. The Shapes Project promises maximum gain with minimum effort: better living through geometry.<br /><br />It's not so much the shapes themselves as the idea of the shapes, the very notion of a system of forms that's so captivating. And so unnerving. If I were to identify the one prevailing topical interest that has most surfaced in the last year — among students, in juries, at conferences and exhibitions — it would have to be this obsession with series and systems. How to identify them; how and where to introduce them; the question of whether, once a series is identified, your work is done. It's the illusion of certainty that's so mesmerizing — the idea that not everything is in flux, unfixed and mashed-up and dislocated. Systems by their very nature introduce an armature as well as a roadmap for their own completion. You look at one iteration, then two — then ten — and you get it. Once demystified, you can concentrate on other things — form, perhaps, or beauty. A glorious insect. A Trollope poem. Your lunch.<br /><br />Or not. Which begs the question: does a system invite psychological repose precisely because it is so clear and comprehensible — or does it lead us to search for precisely its opposite — a kind of exotic deviation from the norm, an abstraction or glimmer of novelty? McCollum stresses that he laboriously created each of these shapes, and resists the notion that this body of work emerged from a kind of robotic (read "vector generated") process. Is artistry compromised if software is involved? Is design?Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-32004353847817615812007-02-02T11:17:00.000-05:002007-02-22T23:16:42.101-05:00A Note on Design Pedagogy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ413XeWtcXCJbd0__ted9pLy_-M9Dbg9nvgl1nNpdDELEzJ-axmU8nvAFTDMzU5WEDWs5IEOgy40Fz_MhCWQvxS4W_CE_CFPX1Izhnzd7OJSkfvxD_BnPviiWo51fgcBJMN5YAIVOKgpV/s1600-h/300px-Bauhaus_Chair_Breuer.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ413XeWtcXCJbd0__ted9pLy_-M9Dbg9nvgl1nNpdDELEzJ-axmU8nvAFTDMzU5WEDWs5IEOgy40Fz_MhCWQvxS4W_CE_CFPX1Izhnzd7OJSkfvxD_BnPviiWo51fgcBJMN5YAIVOKgpV/s400/300px-Bauhaus_Chair_Breuer.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5026972086936982674" /></a>Reading a recent article on the theory behind Gropius' Bauhaus and the Applied Art Schools in Breslau and Dusseldorf, led me to finally construct a valid argument to defend both this very blog and the very basis of my current daily works. The theory is best illustrated by the 1907 creation of the Deutscher Werkbund. This association of architects, designers, and industrialists helps illustrate state-sponsored evidence of the need to commercialize artistic talent.<br /><br />The pedagogical nature of the Bauhaus and congruently Parsons are exhibited in the curricula of both institutions, while formed around the same time, developed independently of each other on two different continents. The need to industrialize raw artistic talent; to bridge the then widening gap between industry and art was expressed in the Deustcher Werkbund, the Bauhaus, and Parsons itself. Academia failed to adequately prepare students for real life expression of their artistic talent, the manifestation of their ideas were doomed to failure without being prepared for real media to express themselves with. Creativity was lost in the swirls of vocal academics who, given their university training, were able to effectively express and accomplish.<br /><br />This quote helps express what I am trying to say: "True creative work can be done only by the man whose knowledge and mastery of the physical laws of statics, dynamics, optics, acoustics equip him to give life and shape to his inner vision." Therefore we can see the pedagogical importance of the Bauhaus, and currently my education at Parsons. I am being given the vehicle and required training to effectively link my creative talents with industrial processes. I am being given the tools I need to graduate and work and earn a living, rather than squander any creativity in futile attempts of recognition. Practical and theoretical, simultaneously releasing the creative powers contained in the students at this and other design schools. Maybe we can say teaching us how to talk the talk and walk the walk.<br /><br /><b>Listening to <a href="http://www.google.com/musica?aid=O0K6_PNgfSP&sa=X&oi=music&ct=result">Bob Dylan</a>.</b>Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-1689497327360448882007-01-29T21:21:00.001-05:002008-04-22T12:22:40.684-04:00iPhone: Planning vs. Implementation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsFMxCFlkkruItylKwAwF_YOni87NZHIVYOY3ZqXJEcVs3LyyrrSh7cV_VGN6UuKyxqu69eFzIw7nHo6HDRYDZdILQGBLvtb1QHoPQlE5qmUpXGAzyzpgu5fzOTdcrvI5g921SzLUzaYa/s1600-h/indexhero20070109.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsFMxCFlkkruItylKwAwF_YOni87NZHIVYOY3ZqXJEcVs3LyyrrSh7cV_VGN6UuKyxqu69eFzIw7nHo6HDRYDZdILQGBLvtb1QHoPQlE5qmUpXGAzyzpgu5fzOTdcrvI5g921SzLUzaYa/s400/indexhero20070109.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5025643667246259442" /></a>The new Apple iPhone, the craze of all design industry. After much awaited time, Jobs has taken advantage of delayed market entry to observe and capitalize on past PDA-Phone-Entertainment devices. Nonetheless, let's look at the practicality behind the $500+ device in terms of its implementation.<br /><br />Most importantly, the iPhone will be available exclusively on the Cingular network. The number of people that will switch to Cingular to take advantage of the newest Apple creation (we can define these people as the die-hard Apple fans, which are none too few) are those that we can say that are the first-adopters of the device. In fact, we can say that there will be a great number of people who will buy the device at any given cost, only because they are so focused on buying the next hottest Apple device. For the rest of us, as much as we like this device, and at its incredible cost, we must now seek to weigh the cost of breaking our contracts and leaving our beloved carriers simply to buy into a trend. Practically, I have Verizon, my friends have Verizon, as much as the iPhone looks appealing, I dont think I will be breaking my contract anytime soon.<br /><br />On the design front of the device, it has appealing features, but holistically it is the spokesman of the "creative" type. What the iPhone does for us creative types is help provide an alternative to the highly formal blackberry or treo. We are no longer mislabeled by the phone we carry, and we can succumb to our ever-vocal choice in electronics (MacBook, iPod, and iPhone to match). The software on the iPhone nonetheless (yes I have had a unique chance to test drive) is what sells it for me. Intuitive interfaces that are familiar to us from our work and play interactions, the iPhone plays upon the ease, adaptability, and error-free operation that us users of OSX have grown to love and those users of Windows XP have not realized exist in digital interactions.<br /><br />All in all, I give kudos to Apple and its next-obvious step in innovative production, but their terms are too selfish. Apple knows it has cornered a certain type of market and is seeking to expand that market everyday (see the latest TV ads obviously geared towards older PC-using men). Knowing this, reviewing past failed deals, Apple had demanded way too much in past talks with Verizon and maybe T-Mobile and thus failed in being able to introduce on several carriers (like Treo, Blackberry, etc).<br /><br /><b><a href="http://gumpdesign.blogspot.com/2008/02/iphone-planning-vs-implementation.html">FUTURE RELATED POST: iPhone REVIST</b></a><br /><br /><b>Listening to <a href="http://www.google.com/musica?aid=O9YScJXyB0J&sa=X&oi=music&ct=result">Paolo Nutini</a>.</b>Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-86303726129697192292006-12-30T15:20:00.000-05:002007-02-22T23:18:04.379-05:00New New York: Post 9/11 Skyscraper Resilience<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eA3qgDIrEwQwmohbpwkYNInLxTJqbG7PO2C06OIBqKatGT3w7iLNYGbeuAZo5wChRHPQ1snYxe8BW5cFncWqOCxnyujgvV1SBoJzuCR8-6zpqABiJaFeo1rszg2fNBo4WZ4AlzapaaYs/s1600-h/Hearst01.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eA3qgDIrEwQwmohbpwkYNInLxTJqbG7PO2C06OIBqKatGT3w7iLNYGbeuAZo5wChRHPQ1snYxe8BW5cFncWqOCxnyujgvV1SBoJzuCR8-6zpqABiJaFeo1rszg2fNBo4WZ4AlzapaaYs/s400/Hearst01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5014429770030416258" /></a>Stemming from my last post about the Telefonplan in Stockholm as a factor in urban identity, I take aim at home, New York City. In the next <b>four years</b> New York City's skyline will be brand new. With <b>six</b> major skyscrapers jotting up on this tiny island, look at each one, and think what kind of impact will this have or does it have on our current urban ID, the design of the famous skyline, and presence in work, play, and life of a New Yorker. Urban planning and development as crucial elements in the cogs of urban living; these buildings all to some degree are a reflection of an architectural, artistic, design, financial, pop, and lifestyle capital of the world, and so should foreshadow and resonate the collective ideals of its community.<p><br /><b>Residential Real Estate:</B><br />-- <a href="http://www.thesolaire.com/">The Solaire</a>. One of the first green residential buildings, The Solaire in battery park signaled the onset of a change in development. By marketing itself as an innovative solution to growing environmental concerns, not only does the building make convention for new buildings to be constructed, but also acknowledges the a demand for this kind of living.<br />-- <a href="http://www.thehelena.com/">The Helena</a>. The Helena came shortly there after, also on the west side, in the 60's. The Helena followed pattern with The Solaire and is helping to reconstruct the skyline from a New Jersey angle.</p><p><b>Media Publications:</B><br />-- <a href="http://www.hearstcorp.com/tower/">The Hearst Tower</a>. The home to numerous magainzes in the Hearst Empire, this columbus circle building, also leaning towards the west side, achieved "gold" LEED status. Hmmm. Well, the architectural use of the original building's base saved something like 30,000 tons of building material. The design? I am not quite so fond of the design, considering that it is of no cultural influence or relevance to its community. Although the design does give to saving materials. (see above).<br />-- <a href="http://newyorktimesbuilding.com/">The New York Times Building</a>. This building is really amazing. Another contribution to the reconstruction of the west side skyline, Renzo Piano has taken great care in building an iconic and strong presence in New York. It features a technologically advanced innovation in glass facades, allowing for optimum conditions for heating, cooling, productivity, and aesthetics. This building, in humble opinion, also contributes importantly to the design of the landscape. The simple, elegant, and sharp structure carefully plays respect to its skyline neighbors, yet forms the independent and striking character so defined by residents of the city, and the nature of the newspaper.</p><p><b>Financial:</B><br />-- <a href="http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=201684">The Bank of America Tower</a>. 6th avenue, just off of bryant park is the Cook+Fox creation of the Bank of America tower. When complete, claims to be the most environmentally conscious building in New York, it's organic and curvaceous design is indicative of a green-building that would overlook a famous park. They are trying to get platinum rating, but moreover, I think that the way the tower has been publicized is a full indication of how important it is that Cook+FOX recognizes their position as a voice for the architectural voice of NYC, because of their leadership here.<br />-- <a href="http://www.som.com/">The Freedom Tower</a>. To be built on the World Trade Center site, this buildings appears to father the buildings around it, in a skyline shot. It rises above with the support of the buildings that surround it, I see how the design integrates well with the lower manhattan landmark site. It's sustainability, while not as great as those that are above, is significant, with its own natural fuel cells to generate power. The building's design is the culmination of hot debate over how and what should fill this spot, the ultimate example of how architecture in an urban environment plays the ever-important cultural and social catalyst position.</p><p><br />We are seeing a total reconstruction of Manhattan's west side skyline. Second, all the buildings show that such large members of the community play a leadership and exemplary role in reflecting the desires of the community in which it is joining. New York is on a green trend, sustainability and concern for the welfare of our community is more important than ever, and we can see how each architect has taken great care to respect the wishes of those people that will organically integrate their lives with their urban environment. My problem is, I wish there was a modicum of pace involved so that we can learn from the mistakes of each tower as they are built, and iterate our sustainable thinking more suited for actual results over USGBC certification.<br /><br /><b>Listening to: <a href="http://www.google.com/musicsearch?q=Miles+Davis+Gil+Evans&sa=X&oi=music&ct=more-results">Miles Davis with the great Gil Evans</a>.</b>Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-12874215428711111752006-12-28T14:51:00.000-05:002006-12-30T16:26:11.236-05:00Stockholm's Telefonplan Tower: Identity and Design<a href="http://81.236.29.233/axis-cgi/mjpg/video.cgi?resolution=400x300&compression=70&color=1&dummy=1167334395642"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" width="300" height="400" src="http://colourbynumbers.org/images/colourByNumbers02.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>What do we think of when we identify ourselves with the towns, cities, and suburbs in which we live? Personal possession of the prevailing design of the landscape is essential to engendering urban identity. Especially the world cities in which we live. We feel a need to personally identify with and contribute to the beautification and continuation of the the design of the urban landscape in which we live. We seek to preempt attempts by others to otherwise change that landscape, for fear that it will alter the identity that we possess of that city as a resident. We also seek to recapture lost battles that altered the design of our city. <br /><br />Take a look at the picture to the right, this is a live feed of the Telefonplan tower in Stockholm. This 50 year old tower is a sign of the corporate-ization of Stockholm. Since its construction, and through its functional use for cell phone research by Ericsson, the residents have felt like this austere tower is an imposition on their landscape, a symbol of corporate influence. Ericsson has now left this tower behind, so three men, an architect, an interactive designer, and a local artist created this open piece of art. In an ironic twist to the growing privatization of Stockholm, they have taken the tower and fitted every floor with 36 lights. The lights are, ironically, connected to a cell phone. Anybody can call the cell phone, and by using a specific code outlined on their website, they can control what lights are shown on every floor of the tower. <br /><br />People controlling the things that controlled them, ironic justice through urban art and design. Stockholm pride! Virginia is for lovers!<br /><br />Talk about recapture of identity, residents to controlling their landscape. An artistic expression of public response to the privatization of the city. It is a show of identity and the public aversion to this iconic and landmark tower in Stockholm. Think about 9/11 when the towers fell, and NYC's response. While there was grief over those lost, there was also a prevailing feeling of grief over the marring effect to identity of the city, in parallel to the design of the landscape. What this installation does is express that need for communal identification with residing and being a member of a thriving city. There is pride and personalization involved when one aesthetically seeks identification with where they live. San Francisco has affluent and quaint homes, LA, well, LA has a concrete maze of roads, NYC has surprisingly intricate designs on the tightly packed island, Stockholm has this tower and what it symbolizes to the residents.<br /><br />Call +46 (0)70 57 57 807 right now, follow the instructions, and watch the live feed.<br /><br /><b>Listening to <a href="http://www.google.com/musicsearch?q=appleseed+cast">Appleseed Cast</a>.</b>Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-34566139690186342562006-12-26T23:37:00.001-05:002006-12-28T12:08:27.413-05:00Shin-Yatsushiro Monument: Conceptual Design Was Bad?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvDt_qLqxAeTuCX-XZAsLFwvxaEaoXX2Wxyl2hYCah3UfrZetih0Bhy-HkpvJnY4UO2lhcGTAXh9jTCxj0okPfmylF_CxhIoxOR7BqI91vdhDton7GYCSQBBFS4tdz5PMreygRP7Hn6Tc/s1600-h/01_lg.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvDt_qLqxAeTuCX-XZAsLFwvxaEaoXX2Wxyl2hYCah3UfrZetih0Bhy-HkpvJnY4UO2lhcGTAXh9jTCxj0okPfmylF_CxhIoxOR7BqI91vdhDton7GYCSQBBFS4tdz5PMreygRP7Hn6Tc/s320/01_lg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5013069352024310098" /></a>Conceptual design is far from as simple and easy as it looks. From it's fundamental expression of concept, to its ability to intelligently capture people through simplicity. From far away, this monument appears to be a child-like house, maybe something that Tim Burton would have in one his movies. Inside is the waiting area, where people can see that the whole structure is punctured with holes, and the flat walls sum up to a 3-dimensional structure. The waiting area for a high speed train in Japan, a conceptual design presented in its simplicity, like the Vuitton building (below), an optical illusion.<br /><br />It does not follow any form of instructional guide, and artistic freedom is left to the designer. There needs to be an underlying objective of the design, something that the designer is seeking to accomplish. After the concept is defined and established, carefully paying attention to the context of the social and physical environment in which it will be employed, you can begin to understand user rules and requirements. After this, you mitigate the constraints with the objectives, and you have a plan.<br /><br />The ability to express complicated ideas through the most simple and functional form is essential to a conceptual designer. Even in fine art, all innovations of post-modern and modern art are of conceptual creation. We can look to cubism as a developed concept, presented in its simplicity, yet able to express a complicated thought process. Add to this dadaism, expressionism, and even well-done modern industrial design processes, like the IPOD. Others argue that good, intelligent design is visually complicated, whose synchronization and implementation is only brought upon by the best designers. I refute this claim, because while these "visually complex" designs may or may not have a concept behind them, the designer plays the luck of the draw in finding out if some concept can be luckily found through making things complicated. A conceptual designer begins with the complicated concept and then seeks to simplify it to the extent of reaching all people.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hV0R_7-eEiHsGZefgMjPPc_j81xWSicKVwqCTwKWKzSBL5V7Ztxh_N_f4bS51QMU2MLXM2DthTXMseui2xKrYqdHK54qD-jnCa_XpCzA3t_B1tZ1UDiPmzUTqz_lW8xLs9Zixo2-mgkH/s1600-h/04_lg.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hV0R_7-eEiHsGZefgMjPPc_j81xWSicKVwqCTwKWKzSBL5V7Ztxh_N_f4bS51QMU2MLXM2DthTXMseui2xKrYqdHK54qD-jnCa_XpCzA3t_B1tZ1UDiPmzUTqz_lW8xLs9Zixo2-mgkH/s200/04_lg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5013072006314099042" /></a>The beauty of conceptual designs are that they are simple and intense, exactly what good design should be, in my eyes. While others see good design in intricate patterns (see Li Xi), and the ability to interweave complicated rhythms, conceptual design expresses an artistic right that the designer has. It is because of the fact that the concept usually predicates the user requirements, and because of the bold nature of this idea, that conceptual design opportunities are usually only given to those accomplished designers. <br /><br /><b>Listening to <a href="http://www.google.com/musicsearch?q=john+coltrane">John Coltrane</a>.</b>Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-84776793345204176382006-12-25T18:28:00.000-05:002006-12-30T18:32:56.780-05:00Adobe Headquarters: Platinum Coated Certification!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21txv8eCTwUrl1PA0Lwtpzj41NOt4ZVrQmDOg8XgPNQnFA9DWiKh6NjVqjuRYWjCGYEp_NjXZclLAcrnT7FFMFicGa1FCUyDl4e3Udb-V6QKq8f-G4Tumx_GKLcySKYsZGC_P41nSHz9W/s1600-h/adobe-headquarters.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21txv8eCTwUrl1PA0Lwtpzj41NOt4ZVrQmDOg8XgPNQnFA9DWiKh6NjVqjuRYWjCGYEp_NjXZclLAcrnT7FFMFicGa1FCUyDl4e3Udb-V6QKq8f-G4Tumx_GKLcySKYsZGC_P41nSHz9W/s400/adobe-headquarters.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5012611474150818018" /></a>Adobe has been working on remodeling their San Jose headquarters and were just recently awarded <b>Platinum</b> LEED certification. <a href="http://www.greenprogress.com/green_building_article.php?id=387">Adobe's retrofits</a> are the result of an upfront investment of $650,000 by the corporation, saving them over $728,000 since implementation. As an example, this shows the 99.99% other developers in this country that <b>sustainable = <font color="green">$$$</font></b><br /><br />So they are platinum? Americans say WOW! The rest of the world, they say, OK, that's it? In fact, the entire LEED certification system is <a href="http://www.theglobalist.com/DBWeb/printStoryId.aspx?StoryId=4498">skewed to American standards of sustainability.</a> The US system is built around US views on environmental protection in general, where we are slow to adapt, because it will disrupt our system of success that is in place right now. This is borne through autonomy, through independence, while the Europeans have long gotten the system right, feeling that success is through a communal spirit. This is why we use most the resources of the world and overflowing wealth, but have a fraction of the population. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1AbEPaYhcF9xjoZXh8KHdbxeTuE5Bi7fIQQhVM0TwnccPTu2LoaSCgzvY0jomCm1iBKWpb7yZ0yi3kTMcYJPztiIFPkXJXDZNXagN_dZ4fUOC03IJJheXI0gULoy82AjSqsU2VrQu23a/s1600-h/adobe3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1AbEPaYhcF9xjoZXh8KHdbxeTuE5Bi7fIQQhVM0TwnccPTu2LoaSCgzvY0jomCm1iBKWpb7yZ0yi3kTMcYJPztiIFPkXJXDZNXagN_dZ4fUOC03IJJheXI0gULoy82AjSqsU2VrQu23a/s200/adobe3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5012615232247202034" /></a>The LEED system follows the line of logic, where the standards are at a much lower level than those of Europe. Evidence of this can be found in the car market, where American standards for emissions and manufacturing are so much more behind than that of the rest of the world. Why do you think, with recent gas scares and increased environmental awareness of consumers, <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2006-08-01-sales_x.htm">Toyota has outsold Ford for the first time in history</a>. Here it is about the economic advancements of individuals, which is marked by monetary value. The new US LEED system addresses these notions with the qualifications for American certification. There is a reluctance to set the bar too high for fear that all will fail.<br /><br />The LEED system is great for us, for its creating some sort of guiding path to be able to think sustainable. It opens doors for opportunities for building to be organic members of society, and with companies like Adobe, there are precedents set, not only for our environment but also for the bottom line. The problem is that we are so far behind than the rest of the world in our environmental standards, that these successes, like Adobe, look good to us but to the rest of the world we have only hit the tip of the iceberg in sustainable building and standards. As <i>the</i> economic and resource-using superpower of the world don't you think we should have our hands deeper in the concern for our community? Nonetheless, good job Adobe.<br /><br />I feel that the pursuit of certification should be secondary to overall saving of environmental capital. Sustainability for sustainability not for show... there must be a full shift not just a PR campaign.<br /><br /><b>Listening to <a href="http://www.academik.org">Academik Podcast</a>.</b>Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8349406220129705047.post-75878781682395008772006-12-23T17:41:00.000-05:002006-12-26T01:12:37.462-05:00The Flybook: iMac Duplicate? no no.. Ergonomic Laptop<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mqHhCKi16aaghFVue0740KmLAUlf7V34WniCoNRxYms-RqrbHBXg4EH4Vo__U_TbYokfWM4rtUR41zR8LBgnLuGwTqcADAfeV7baAY_8jcigNb8A1x6AlQrD04j78NjwmlxdYNKG1Tts/s1600-h/flybook.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mqHhCKi16aaghFVue0740KmLAUlf7V34WniCoNRxYms-RqrbHBXg4EH4Vo__U_TbYokfWM4rtUR41zR8LBgnLuGwTqcADAfeV7baAY_8jcigNb8A1x6AlQrD04j78NjwmlxdYNKG1Tts/s320/flybook.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5011856427490115762" /></a>Wow! Look at this laptop, I wish I had one this very minute, as my neck starts to hurt from bending my head down to look at my miniscule MacBook Pro screen. This idea is great for those who do a lot of work on their laptops, and as a student I do end up working through my computer screen quite often.<br /><br />This laptop, a Japanese creation, has an embedded telescoping arm in the back of the screen, so when you open the device, you can physically pull the screen out and forward to meet your eye level. This is great for those of us that are so tall, and the level of the desk is at our stern, so we must bow our heads to use the computer.<br /><br />What my problem is, is that I enjoy my Apple laptop. It has so many features that help me be 1000 times more efficient in my work. I want one of these devices, but for my Apple. Somebody, maybe this company, should design such a device, that can be installed on any laptop. That would sell, because I don't know the quality of this Japanese "FlyBook" and I really don't want to spend all the money just to find out it is made of B-List chips.<br /><br />What this company needs is an external perspective. Because of the reasons in the next paragraph, and because recognition of a simple advancement of an existing innovation, brought to portable computers, can result in amazing sales. All they have to see is that their computer is unsellable, but their contribution to laptop computers is sellable, and they are money.<br /><br />What is even more interesting is, if you go to the website of the manufacturer, the website seems like it is in English. All the navigation is in English, but I tried clicking on links to find out more information, and everything is in Japanese, the text that is. My recommendation, if you want to attract that wider audience (I found this object for sale on an American website), then you really have to be able to explain your concepts in a language that they will understand. I can see how the website would work for Japanese people, who probably are bilingual, but how many British, American, Belizean, etc people do you know that speak Japanese as well? They need to memo their marketing department, and R&D too.<br /><br /><b>Listening to <a href="http://www.google.com/musicsearch?q=quantic">Quantic</a>.</b>Rishi Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11154185093657471704noreply@blogger.com1