Auras

Most people view auras as some kind of spiritual thing. I see it as a way of living. A projection, if you will - and these projections can be represented as images.

Above, is my articulation of self. The way I see it:

"The future is old, but it can live in the now. The bright green lines represent an understated, yet bold design aesthetic, heavily articulated and well thought-out. It's built upon frameworks and knowledges of best practices, made by a man who enjoys working behind the scenes constructing the architecture of our existence."

It's a bit of a stretch, but a fun exercise to try and explain your design philosophy. So, try it - find an image that you feel represents your aura and give it a whirl trying to decipher the elements that truly define you.

Progress

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Mixcrate (a.k.a. playlist creation tool)

Optional mixcrate color labels

A hidden surprise!

It's coming along. The final concept. The paper. The presentation. All I need now is a design team of 4, 3 months, and about $20k to fund the project to full completion. Maybe I should submit it to Kickstarter.

But what is the Bobi Digital Shelf, you ask? Think of it as a device that takes the trapped MP3 collections on your iTunes collection and gives them that valued space in your home once again. It lets you organize your music away from the traditional folder structure. It lets you use it as a jukebox at parties - a social monster that'll get everyone talking.

Seeing as it's being built by a UX student as his masters thesis, it's user researched to the core and designed with the context of the modern home in mind (internal ports allow it to act as a hub for your router and NAS). More importantly, it allows users to showcase their musical connoisseurship while maintaining an ambient presence. The perfect complement to any home tech junkie's music system and a sexy piece of equipment to boot.

Finally, for the curious, yes - this project is indeed a homage to the RZA of Wu-Tang Clan. I'd then add: "It's a kaleidescope of usability; one that builds from 30+ years of UX lessons learned, but also functional aesthetics. Like Charles Ray Eames once said, 'Who ever said that pleasure wasn't functional?' I, for one, wholeheartedly agree."

The Chase

A bit of a buried oldie, but definite goodie. Courtesy of Leo Burnett Vietnam.

Dare to Challenge

Feeling extra snarky today. It's like a fog from the 80's and 90's with all its cynicism came in through the back door. Oh, well - at least there's Bill.

From Toronto to Chicago

A quick one-week summary of my adventure into the heart of Toronto and Chicago. Lovely people. Nice strangers. Fantastic designs. It's a beautiful world we live in.

Quick and dirty edit using iMovie '11. Music is by The Streets (and remixed by Nero).

A Word on Bedroom Tech

I'm currently conducting a short study of designer bedrooms for technology integration. What I have discovered so far: 1) Technology is complementary, 2) Finishes are chosen to highlight decor and 3) Serenity is built upon history. This basically translates to: "Make shit invisible by referencing to your surroundings and past."

Copy. Deer. Caffeine.

Three intensely random videos made possible by After Effects and the most insane shit you've ever heard.

Details Junkie

I just couldn't control myself. This is probably the sexiest home I've seen this year. It's got everything. White floors, big art, simple kitchen. I could marry this place.

Framing It Red

Every once in a while, you find something that clearly sits in the middle of nowhere. But it certainly belongs there and no where else. It's not dubstep. It's not hip-hop. It's not trip-hop. It is what it is.

Angry Warhol

I'll take one, please.

Workstead Unlimited

This has to be one of the most beautiful house tours I've stumbled upon in a while. Dark, yet classic. Modern, yet traditional. It combines the flavors of the old and new in a manner that's complementary at its most absolute sense.

Light Machete

Sometimes, running into the light is the only thing you can do.

Sticky Ideas

Nothing beats taking a simple idea and sticking with it all the way through. For instance: "Let's make our bedroom like a treehouse." Oh, how heavenly it would be to live in this awesomely personal space.

Chicago Designs: Pukko Knife Holder

Design duo Linnea Gits and Peter Dunham just created a new design studio called Uusi in Chicago offering limited-edition home goods. My fav so far? The ever classy wall-mounted Pukko Knife Holder, which features a strong magnet encased in reclaimed, old-growth cypress wood. $125 if you want it.

Raphael Saadiq is Back

Oh man, this is good. Real good.