Want to trip out on how small humans are within the universe? This nice little video from Dr. Janna Levin dives into the Big Bang theory and a quick explanation of the creation of the universe. Man, this stuff freaks me out. I love it.
via GOOD
A positive and empowering look at the future of our cities and their important role in sustainability. Ken Yeang and Ross Lovegrove talk about their process and how nature and efficiency is their main inspiration.
It was good to wake up to this optimistic clip. Over the weekend I watched HOME for the fourth time. HOME (produced by PPR) is a bit like Planet Earth, but focuses on the natural patterns of the Earth, both visual and biological. Those we can see and those that happen over time. Half of the documentary focuses on how we have made more of an impact in the last 50 years than all the previous years combined. It is extremely informative, but I left the couch feeling like there is no hope for our planet. They did spend the last fifteen minutes talking about all the good things humans are doing to slow our rapid expansion, however I still felt defeated. I can appreciate the “tough love” tactic, especially since the planet seems to be at the end of its rope. However, this little piece makes me want to be a better designer, think about projects on a global level and use my skillz toward something good.
Technological and conceptual developments are slowly making 3D interfaces more useful. This note card sketch study explores some of the existing interfaces that I find most inspiring.
Spectra is a flash interface for viewing MSN content. A swirling circle of stories can be sorted and browsed. The overall impact of the interface is impressive until you try to start using it as a serious news viewing tool. Despite its flaws, Spectra explores some beautiful UI ideas.
Cool Iris is a browser plugin that presents a wall of content that can be scrolled through horizontally. Clicking a piece of content zooms in on it. Cool Iris is an example of a very simple implementation of 3d that creates a new and useful way to browse many types of content.
White Void’s portfolio is getting a little older but it’s my favorite 3d interface to date. It helps that his content is great, too. A simple expanding folder system prominantly displays the current level you are at while maintaining a dimensional view of highger levels to give you constant a sense of where you are in the hierarchy.
Gestalten will be putting out a new book, featuring artists and designers who use paper as a medium for their creations. Recently, the design community has seen an influx of papercraft creations among young designers, who seem to be tapping into their elementary school days, using brightly colored paper, glue, scissors and folding to create forms and compositions. Ah-ha! But its not as easy as it looks. Some designers are really pushing the process far beyond art class. Check out the trailer for the book here. Sorry, Gestalten has some hoops to jump through as far as embedding video goes. Enjoy!
Paola Antonelli (senior curator in the Department of Architecture and Design for the Museum of Modern Art, New York) speaks at the Bigger Bang: Colliding Science & Design panel at the 5D conference. She focuses on the importance of the way that design, technology, and science work together to make advancements useful to society.
“…designers, when they are really good, take major revolutions in science and technology and they transform them into objects that people can use in their everyday life. So, basically, they bring revolutions home.”
Here at Highlighter, we are obsessed with process. We are always interested in learning how designers and artists arrive at their final product, and often times the process stories and materials are more interesting than the final product. However, that is not the case in this situation. Here Paula Scher talks about how she found herself making “maps” and the limitations that created the idea. Again, another example of restrictions creating awesomeness.
The other day, my good friend Brian re-watched the first Superman movie, inspiring me to do the same. So last night I dove in to this 2 1/2 hour saga, and holy moly, I highly recommend going back to this classic. There is so much good stuff to talk about but there is no way I could fit in all into one post. The first thirty minutes showers us with awesome typography and special effects as we blast through the unknown, zooming past balls of lava, nebulas and far away galaxies. Compared to today, these graphics seem super DIY, however at the time it was “budgeted as the most expensive film ever made,” using cutting edge technology and the most talented people in the field. Which brings me to an observation; technological limitations can create charm and beauty that stand the test of time.
Promotional post card design for a local art show that didn’t end up seeing the light of day.
If you have any interest in Sci-Fi movies or illustration, Syd Mead needs no introduction. During his 50 year career , he has been the visionary for movies such as Blade Runner, Tron, Aliens, Short Circuit, Time Cop, Strange Days, Mission to Mars, 2010 Odyssey and many others. This uber interesting and recent interview dives into Syd Mead’s process, influences, and predictions about the future of technology. And get this, he still works on a Mac G4! Check out the interview here.
One of the secrets of his design is that his ideas are always on the edge of our reality. They are futuristic but recognizable for what they are. His concepts would actually function smoothly within some future technological world. They are always designed with a wider focus on time and culture they belong to. Everything Syd designs has meaning and reason. There is no room for l’art pour l’art style in his work, everything has a purpose. Many designers have huge artistic talents, but no one can match the technical and engineering expertise, and the whole logic behind the lighting and composition that complement the artistic skills of Syd Mead.
GOOD magazine and Toyota Prius have teamed up on a project called “Road Map to Harmony” that begins to answer how we achieve balance in a world that needs improvement in so many different areas. I received this fold out poster from GOOD the other day and I was superbly impressed. The illustration style is bright and inviting while the info graphics are clear, simple and accessible. We all know that GOOD magazine has a knack for info graphics, but I became really excited when a friend sent me an online, interactive version of the map. It is informative, friendly and visually sweet. Check it out and play here.
