The Wilson Project

What’s in a Title (of a Block of Related Blog Entries and Other Assorted Writings)

After a few months of delays, I am finally starting. But even figuring out the title seems to be a bit of a fight. Well, the title will be just simply enough The Information Layer.

However, there is the “formal” name that gives more of an explanation of what this groups of writings will be about, based on the following:

The Information Layer
A group of writings/blog entries based on the observations of the mobile/web environment
by Ivan Wilson

Beyond that, still working on the initial step.

Of course, I just realized that there are two initial steps and I have to figure out a way to work this out.

Pain.

Tagged as interaction design, internet, mobile, user interface.

First Preview of The Information Layer

First notes from my Moleskin notebook (Project Charles – Volume 1), 5/10/2009 entry

First sketch of new information model (same date)

New information model (current view, comparing with previous model) – Basis for “The Information Layer” essay

Tagged as Charles/TWP, CSS, Design, front-end, html, information layer, interaction design, javascript, modelling, ui, user interface.

London and Back

Just re-entered the country, after a week in London for the last FOWA (Future of Web Apps) conference for 2010. Take a while to settle down (not to mention get back to a regular sleep schedule). Spending a week going through all the notes and ideas from the conference. However, all this information will be slowly integrated for the remainder of this year. I was able to get some sightseeing, as well as going to The National Theatre (Hamlet) and a concert (BBC Symphony @ Barbican).

Now, going home to DC to a stack full of work at CDG.

Later.

Tagged as conference, CSS3, FOWA, html5, javascript, jquery, user interface, web development, xhtml.

Why Design Now?

Last week, I finally escaped DC for NYC. Got the chance to finally see the Cooper-Hewitt Museum, which is part of the large Smithsonian family. This museum’s focus is on design, whether functional or artistic. I got the chance to look at the exhibit Why Design Now? – part of the National Design Triennial.

This exhibit reminds me of MoMA’s Design and the Elastic Mind a few years ago but on a smaller scale. In this case, the various themes were grouped into areas such as communication, mobility, and energy. I was very interested in the Materials section, looking at some very beautifully crafted items made with processes that had little environmental impact. For example, packaging or dishware that used local materials (paper/plant material) while being easily biodegradable. And then, there are the eyeglasses…

I spend most of the day at the museum, soaking in all the design and getting recharged again after three months of work. Anyways, the exhibit is open until 1/9/2011. Enjoy.

Tagged as Cooper-Hewitt Museum, Design, interaction design, NYC, usability, user experience, user interface, UX.

On The Road Again…

In the fall, I will be attending two conferences within a span of a month.

First, on September 16-18, attending the DC edition of An Event Apart conference, led by Jeffery Zeldman and et. al.

Then two weeks later, on October 4-6, attending the Future of Web Apps conference in London, UK.

Lots to see and learn.

Tagged as conference, CSS, front-end, html, javascript, usability, user interface, web development, xhtml.

Back from Interaction 10…into Snowmageddon

More photos, posted at my Flickr account – Interaction 10 (IxDA)

Flew into Savannah before Snowmegeddon Round #1 came around and it was goregeous. Rainy but in the 50′s and I could wear a light jacket for a few days. Great time, only to fly back home the day before Snowmegeddon Round #2 came in. It took 2 1/2 weeks before I could see the sidewalk again.

As for Interaction 10, it was a blast and a real big work motivator for the remainder of the year. Some of the lectures presented some real interesting ideas and I will find some way to introduce or talk about them in my work. It also helps meeting interesting designers and other professionals that really want to make the profession better.

As for Savannah (beyond the really nice weather) was a good host and just darn friendly (Southern hospitality does exist…). I would definitely love to come back ASAP but the conference has to move to a new site. Unfortunately, it will not go back to Vancouver next year.

However, it will go to…Boulder, Colorado. It was announced on the last day, with a special low rate for about one week (sorry already gone, darn…) But, the excitement as already started. Especially with a really funny and interesting video promo – see http://www.vimeo.com/9395674.

Anyways, as soon as I can break open my piggy bank, I am registering for next year.

Interaction 11 @ Boulder, Colorado – http://www.ixda.org/i11/

Related Links

• For brief reprise of Interaction 10 conference, go to Johnny Holland magazine (http://johnnyholland.org/).
  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
• School of Visual Arts blog – http://interactiondesign.sva.edu/blog

Tagged as Design, IA, information architecture, IxDA, Savannah, Snowmegeddon, ui, user experience, user interface, UX.

IxDA Interaction 10

IxDA Interaction 10
http://interaction.ixda.org/
Dates: February 4-7, 2010
Location: Savannah, Georgia

Hosted by SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design), this year’s conference will be spaced among various nearby locations around downtown. Savannah, with or without the conference, is worthy of a visit due to its long and influential history in this country. The IxDA (Interactive Design Association) conference will feature talks, workshops, and lectures on design areas that range from technology to new tools/processes to important issues such as instructing/mentoring new students in the field.

So, why is a front-end/ui developer doing here?

Well, I deal with designers all the time, whether they are web or print based. It allows me to follow what designers are doing and find ways to compliment – in an architect/engineer dynamic. Also, I get new ideas for inspiration or use in the other areas, especially if it is useful in my career.

Therefore, I will be spending some good quality time next month, soaking some fresh ideas and having a mini-vacation away from the same-old work routine.

Later.

P.S. – A little inspiration from the so-to-be conference…

Tagged as IA, information architecture, interaction design, ui, user experience, user interface, UX.