Looking for the current blog from Michael Surtees?

I have stopped using this blog, my current blog can now be found at www.designnotes.info

the Unboxing Ceremony

iPod 60GB, In-Ear Headphones, A/V Cable, with packaging
Originally uploaded by JoshB.

Imagine designing something so well that others feel the need to capture the experience and share it on flickr. There's a photo pool that does just that: www.flickr.com/groups/unboxing/pool/

There's also a blog dedicated to people talking about they're experiences at www.unboxing.com via core77

Stock Photography Cliches

We've all seen the brutal stock images that come up time and time again when searching for that perfect image. Forty Media has taken it one step further and created their own Top Ten Stock Photography Cliches. While the handshake of synergy photo makes a strong showing, there's gems like the above image that comes in at #4: 4. The Romantic Glow of the Laptop: You’ve stayed up late working on those TPS reports, and there’s just something magical about that LCD glow…

Edmonton Oilers Fans sing O Canada

How changing a name has made people buy more coffee

Second Cup, (a coffee chain in Canada) has changed the names of their coffee sizes. If you were to buy a large today, a couple weeks ago it would have been the size of an extra large. So now the sizes go small, medium and large, previously it would have been medium, large and extra large. Why the name change? To sell more coffee obviously. Asking on of the people behind the counter about the name change, I was curious to know how the new large was selling. Apparently it's their new most popular size. Who would have guessed?

Issues around designing services

If you're wanting something to listen to about design today, there's a number of podcast's from speakers that attended the International Service Design Conference. The first two links are password protected, but most of the others are available to listen to at www.cfdr.co.uk/isdn/. Some of the guests included IDEO, the Design Council, Philips Design, Wolff Olins and a number of others.

design update

Over the next couple of days design*notes will be going through some changes. Please be patient as this is a work in progress.

Coverflow

who says album art is dead www.steelskies.com/coverflow/download.php

For the coffee lovers out there

Christian, a friend and coffee aficiando passed me on the url CoffeeGeek. It's all news, reviews, opinion and community for coffee and espresso. Enjoy at coffeegeek.com And yes they do have a podcast.

social groups via photography

Here's a really interesting project from Rotterdam-based photographer Ari Versluis and stylist Ellie Uyttenbroek called Exactitudes. Exactitudes: a contraction of exact and attitude. By registering their subjects in an identical framework, with similar poses and a strictly observed dress code, Versluis and Uyttenbroek provide an almost scientific, anthropological record of people's attempts to distinguish themselves from others by assuming a group identity. The apparent contradiction between individuality and uniformity is, however, taken to such extremes in their arresting objective-looking photographic viewpoint and stylistic analysis that the artistic aspect clearly dominates the purely documentary element.


Aside from just looking at the images, I found some of the categorizations to be insightful. The image above is part of the Young Activists group. Here's a list of all the groups: 02. Casual Queers, 03. Gabberbitches, 04. Bimbos, 05. Combat Girls, 06. Teenagers, 07. Game Boys, 08. Young Activists, 09. Young Executives, 10. Skaters, 11. Bonita's, 12. Allah's Girls, 13. Supporters, 14. Moroccies, 15. Tatto Babes, 16. Manipulators, 17. Smas, 18. Mohawks, 19. Vagabonds, 20. Madam, 21. Leathermen, 22. Butchers, 23. Dreads, 24. Bouncers, 25. Grannies, 26. Preppies, 27. Fans, 28. Massalas, 29. Kils, 30. Roffas, 31. Chillers, 32. Showpieces, 33. Students, 34. Scream, 35. Rockers, 36. Mister Wang, 37. Chairman, 38. Brats, 39. Workers, 40. Chickies, 41. Surfistas, 42. Pitboys, 43. Bundaboys, 44. Gentlemen, 45. The Girls from Ipanema, 46. Musulman, 47. Mothercare, 48. Habibties, 49. Teknohippies, 50. Ecopunks, 51. Sleeves, 52. Skins, 53. Ghoullies, 54. Corpos, 55. Fly Girls , 56. Homeboys , 56. Homeboys , 58. Toppers


www.exactitudes.com


via GDC Listserv > Paul Tetrault

Thanks Bantjes

Let's hope all of the GDC appreciates what Marian Bantjes did for Graphex’06. I've only seen the pics from the catalogue. I can't wait to get it in my hands so I can feel what a genius does when they have put all their energy into a project.

playoff beard continues

oilers win their second round playoff series, now they're in the final four. my hockey playoff beard continues to grow.

Matchbox Pinhole DIY

I luv pinhole photography, but have never tried it myself. Now with a little time and experimentation there's a site that explains how to make a Matchbox Pinhole camera at alspix stuff.

Liquid Nav

First there was the visual thesaurus, then there was the hive group, now when you combine the two ideas you get liquid 2D scatter space in my opinion. There's a nice quicktime vid and other info tidbits to chew on.


via Communication Nation

GDC 2006 - 2008 National Executive

For Immediate Release
15 May 2006

Society of Graphic Designers of Canada
Announces 2006 - 2008 National Executive

Ottawa, Ontario – The Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC) is pleased to announce the 2006 - 2008 National Executive. Dean McNeill MGDC, President, Peggy Cady FGDC, Past President, Judy Snaydon MGDC, Vice-President Membership, May Chung MGDC, Vice-President Education, Michael Surtees MGDC, Vice President Communication, Jim Hudson MGDC, Corporate Secretary, Meenu Ahluwalia Brar Barrister & Solicitor, Legal Advisor and Melanie MacDonald, Administrative Director.

more info at gdc.net

Roloson's Goalie Mask

In the spirit of combining design and hockey today, I present one of the coolest designed masks that I've seen in some time. Designed by Myers Mask Design, Dwayne Roloson's goalie mask sports a gold plated cage and some nice graphics. When Dwayne came to Edmonton he was wearing a blank white mask which concerned me. Was it a visual cue that he wasn't going to stay too long? Thankfully that wasn't the case and he's brought some amazing victories in this playoff run for the Edmonton Oilers.

There's also a podcast video talking about the mask, to watch it, do a search on iTunes podcast directory and type in "Edmonton Oilers".

Brand Book Promo

From the editor of the now defunct Critique Magazine and the book Brand Gap, it looks like Marty Neumeier has a new book coming out in August titled Zag. Over at the Zag site www.zagbook.com you can read a lot of the pages from a mini flash book.

Trending Google

You can now compare keyword searches with Google trends. The above compares art, design and advertising: www.google.com/trends

Recognizing a pattern

There's a couple things that I'll try to tie into this post. The first is the video you should watch above, the second is this small crit on ad blogs from if, and the third is the pattern blogs I keep linking from.

I first caught the video above at Russell Davies blog a month or two ago. He had a couple different formats available, I could watch it on my browser or download it to my iPod. Now I can pass the video live from my blog. Ironically or not, blogs are being scrutinized the way magazines talked about blogs a short time ago. if suggests “There is little in between. Ad-blogs have the same problem as the ad press - they see the game as advertising and they'll tend to highlight the newsworthy and miss the strategically sound.” Yes the same could be mentioned of design blogs, maybe I'm guilty too, maybe not. Third point, what does the group of bloggers I continually link from tell me of my interests, and how and will that help me figure out my future career intentions?

Ninja fighting

Tina's Back

After taking a couple weeks off to deliver a beautiful baby girl, swissmiss is back to fine form. Be sure to say hello at http://swissmiss.typepad.com

Design seizures

Design seizures, originally uploaded by Michael Surtees.

When has it ever been a good idea to place a hologram on the cover of a printed piece? How about never? If this is what get's advertisers excited about mags, we're way past content issues.

What is Graphic Design

On May 5th, the following defintion was approved at the National GDC AGM. Researched and written by Walter Jungkind and Yves Rousell, the folowing definition improves on the previous wording by the GDC "Graphic designers are visual problem solvers. They enjoy the challenge of working with clients and resource people to produce effective visual communication." I suspect that there may be amendments next year to the definitions, perhaps even a name change. While it is a good start I do take issue with the last line "clients usually determine project aims" below. If designers are to be seen more than for the pure visual, the designer needs to be part of the brief and work with the client to determine the scope of the project.

Graphic Design
involves effective visualization of communication concepts, primarily in print and electronic media (including interface design), in the context of business and technology, socio-political, cultural and educational environments, in transmitting government and institutional aims and services, and in visually explaining and exploring medical and scientific data and processes. Clients usually determine project aims.

Graphic designers
help to achieve communication goals by analyzing, structuring, planning and creating images and text to enhance visual communication for specific purposes. They often act as consultants.

Alternative version to the above

Graphic designers
help to achieve communication goals via analysis and interpretation of client needs. They plan, structure and communicate information and ideas, appeal to emotions or facilitate orientation, by creating or combining images and test for distribution to specific publics. Efficiency and high esthetic standards are hallmarks of work by professional designers, who frequently act as consultants on design strategy. Consideration of the public good is a bonus.

GDC AGM 2006

GDC 50
Originally uploaded by Michael Surtees.

In response to all the photo action going on in Edmonton about the National AGM for the GDC (The Society of Graphic Designers of Canada), you can view the images from the four days at www.flickr.com/groups/gdcagmedm2006/pool

What's Your Project?

Looking for something to do over the next couple days - check out http://www.whatsyourproject.com and if that's not enough there's www.52projects.com

Metropolis Magazine Redesign

metropolis magazine redesign
Originally uploaded by Michael Surtees.


metropolis magazine redesign
Originally uploaded by Michael Surtees.

So did you notice that Metropolis magazine has been updated/reDesigned? Really, you still read design magazines and didn't notice?

GDC National AGM

Originally uploaded by Michael Surtees.

This Thursday the National AGM for the GDC will be held in Edmonton. And as they say a journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. Being President for the Alberta North Chapter I'll be attending the four days of meetings. If you come back next Tuesday I'm sure I'll have a couple thoughts on the future of the GDC.

Virtual Key System

I seem to be on a digital kick these days. Between the wifi shoes and umbrellas to this RFID idea - I'm finding the interaction between objects and visible action to be worth exploring. The above images are for a Key Transponder: Transport and Responder for Opening the Door. Here's how they explain the virtual key and RFID tag: “RFID Tag is built inside the key-shaped product, and the reader has the same key-shaped hollow. When you let your key-tag touch this hollow, the visit will be told to the real key holder.“


On the iconic side of things, here's a good example of an object that has been transformed by technology, yet the shape of the object is defined by it's past. You can read more info about the key transponder HERE.

Hockey Playoff Beard Part Two, We Win the First Series

Hockey Playoff Beard continues after eliminating Detroit in six games tonight
Originally uploaded by Michael Surtees.

Edmonton Journal newspaper mention of my hockey playoff beard
Originally uploaded by Michael Surtees.

With the Edmonton Oilers winning a great hockey series against Detroit tonight, I'll be continuing to grow my hockey playoff beard.

The Edmonton Journal covered the start of my beard with a mention today in the newspaper. So far the beard has been growing fairly even with no signs of stopping. I will continue keeping up with the tradition as the next hockey series will start in a couple days... You can read my hockey playoff beard announcement HERE.

World Cup Ball

You can read up on the new World Cup ball at www.soccerballworld.com/Teamgeist.htm


via crit

wifi shoes

They tell you when you're in a WIFI Hotspot - using Nike Dunk SBs


via Sebastian Chen Speier

Learning by Design

Debbie Millman, a friend and someone who I admire has posted one of her best blog posts about what she has learned. There's 10 graceful points that most designers can take something away from her experience, learn and get better.


About a year ago Debbie visited Edmonton for a talk titled “Design Stories from New York” for the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada Alberta North Chapter. We filmed the talk and you can watch the entire presentation at http://abnorth.gdc.net/millman. While Debbie's 10 points from her blog entry are not mentioned directly in the video as such, a lot of her ideas are talked about in part 3 of the video presentation.


Below are the ten headers of Debbie's points, to read the whole thing visit here blog HERE.


Things I have learned by making a lot of mistakes


Number One:
Fabulous talent is equivalent to operational excellence


Number Two:
How you lead and what you represent is as important as your ideas


Number Three:
You need to know what you believe in, whether or not it is popular.


Number Four:
Vision is easy, strategy is much harder.


Number Five:
Know what you are talking about


Number Six:
Common vocabulary is not always equate with common behavior


Number Seven:
One day working on a creative brief is worth (minimally) one week of design time.


Number Eight:
Be aware of "artificial harmony"


Number Nine:
Seek out criticism


Number Ten:
Design Matters

Blog reDesign

Every once in awhile I flirt with the idea of redesigning this blog. Though ironically in the first year I did update it three times. I even changed the name. Originally design*notes was known as d*notes. But I decided to change it after swissmiss kept calling my blog "design*notes". She's pretty smart so I followed suit.


Generally the need for a redesign of anything follows one of three reasons: a. a merger or acquisition, b. change in leadership or, c. a new direction or philosophy. While thinking I wanted a redesign, the blog never really fell into any of those categories. Today this blog still doesn't fall into those categories, but a blog mentioned on Coudal today has really inspired me to get a hell of a lot better with the design of design*notes. It's www.subtraction.com by Khoi Vinh. I've sort of liked the understated design factor of design*notes. I felt a good blog didn't need to look designed, or have that web 2.0 look - the content should be first and foremost.


I still believe that today, but www.subtraction.com has set the bar pretty high for being able read the content in such a great way that you can't stop. That is what I want design*notes version four to be. Stay tuned and thanks for the ongoing support.

Explore, it's a Friday to buy some new muzak

Treat yourself, it's been a busy week. Go out and buy some muzak. Amos Lee's album Roots and Elvis Costello's North have been two of my favs for a while. Ok, I've only been listening to them for the last three weeks. But if you don't know what to get, maybe try those two.

Happy World Graphics Day

27 April marks the birth of Icograda (International Council of Graphic Design Associations) in 1963. It is celebrated by graphic designers, communication designers, industrial designers and design associations around the world. Today is the 43rd birthday of Icograda.


Graphic design has become one of the most influential professions in the world. It shapes the daily lives of people everywhere.


World Graphics Day is an opportunity to recognise graphic design, and its role in the world, and to celebrate the birthday of Icograda.


On this occasion, designers reflect and hope that our global network can contribute to greater understanding between people and can help to build bridges where divides and inequities exist.


At the Icograda Secretariat in Montreal, they’ll be marking the day with the launch of the ‘Call for Expressions of Interest’ for the IDA (International Design Alliance) World Design Report pilot project.


FOR MORE INFO: www.icograda.org/web/

Warm greetings,

Sue Colberg, MVA, MGDC
GDC National
Icograda Representative

The Agony and Ecstasy of the Diagram

Ticker Factory is one of those sites that has turned static diagrams and leveraged dynamic data entry into something for “the rest of us", counting down to that great day you're thinking about. Ok, I'm being somewhat sarcastic but is there anything really wrong with this type of diagram? Ticker Factory offers a lot of different types of countdowns; Trying To Conceive: Create a menstrual cycle day count, Pregnancy: Count your weeks and days of pregnancy, Due Date count down, Baby and Child Age, Display the age of your baby or child, Weight Loss: Display your progress, Count down to your target weight, Birthday: Count down to a birthday, Anniversary: Count down to your anniversary, Vacation & Travel: Count down to an upcoming vacation or travel, Event: Count down or up to a special event, Exercise & Fitness: Track your progress towards your exercise and fitness goal.


Once you've decided on the countdown, you get to pick out a lot of different graphics. There's timelines, icons, ways to show the negative and positive steps to get to the goal. There's a lot more to this that I'd like to say, but alas I have to head out for a workout...

Coffee time on the street

Folgers Coffee ad by Saatchi & Saatchi New York


via www.woostercollective.com > www.coloribus.com

16 Colors Blog

Viva color! 16colors.blogspot.com

Official Art Poster 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™

Some of the posters for the next World Cup seem odd to me, but perhaps that will change over time. View them all HERE


via coudal

Affirmation sticker and smart blog

Affirmation sticker
Originally uploaded by saralynncantor.

http://curiousshopper.blogspot.com/ just came on my radar tonight. It's a nicely written blog by a retail planner, though I'm not entirely sure what a planner does...

The affirmation sticker post HERE is a good example of what you're going to get with Sarah Cantor's posts. I also like the word "Another." It's kinda like those ads - "Secret #24: Sometimes I fake an accent at parties" - you feel like there are at least 23 other Secrets. Here, the word "Another" makes you feel like you aren't alone - there are tons of organized customers, and you are yet another of the already-overflowing pool of organized people in your town.

Time Killer

via jonnypage.ca

technorati tags: google video, fun, puzzle, michael surtees

Watching the power meter go backwards

If the power meter goes backwards, does that mean the power company pays you? Over at www.dhlovelife.com in the past episodes section, the green bldg clip shows a solar powered house that getting enough rays that the power meter goes in reverse.

technorati tags: green design, environment, daryl hannah, michael surtees

Bridge Design

Originally uploaded by Michael Surtees.

I love walking with Maddie but the one thing I hate doing is crossing bridges with her. My worst nightmare is that she some how breaks her leash and sneaks under the rail posts. Future bridge designers, please make rails less than 4 inches from the ground so dogs can't crawl underneath the sides.

Flock

I'm sending my first blog post from flock. It has the potential to be something great, but uploading images is a bit of an issue.

technorati tags: flock, browser, design, michael surtees

!!!!

Best for E, T & G

One Trick Pony

Here's an interesting evolution of muzak players, the Buddah Machine and Disposable Audio Books. With the unlimited choice of filling up your iPod, the counter approach is to simplify to such a degree that the sound box is so limited that it's easier to use. Of course if they catch on I'm sure people would find a way to modify it for an entirely different purpose.

You can read about the Buddah Machine at russelldavies.typepad.com and Disposable Audio Books at MIT Advertising Lab.

The Hockey Playoff Beard

Hockey Playoff Beard
Originally uploaded by Michael Surtees.



Playoff Time
Originally uploaded by Michael Surtees.

There's a tradition in Canada known as the hockey playoff beard. When hockey playoffs come around there isn't a bare face on the team. It's been two long years since the Oiler's have been in the playoffs so I figured I could show a little solidarity with the team and start a couple days early.

In the first series against Detroit, the Oilers will probably win the series in five games.

For more official info on the hockey playoff beard, visit wiki.