Monday, May 23, 2011
Monday, May 16, 2011
iPad Research
1. In your opinion how important is it for mobile applications and devices to both look good and function properly? Comment on both the attractiveness of the software and the hardware.
It is equally important for mobile devices and apps to look good and function properly. If the device or app doesn’t look good then no one will buy it, because mobile devices are just as much a fashion accessory as they are functional tools. Having said that if the device looks good, but isn’t easy to use and able to perform functionally as well as its competitors then sales will also suffer in the long term.
2. Who designed the iPad? Was it an individual or team? In your opinion, do people use this device because it looks good or because it functions well? Or does it do both?
Jonathan "Jony" Ive, CBE, Senior Vice President of Industrial Design at Apple Inc. is the principal designer of the iPad. I’m sure he had help from the rest of the Apple Design Team, but doesn’t mind taking full credit for its design.
In my opinion people use it because it is new technology. The combination of a touch screen interface and core animation makes it seem like something from the future. So it’s a combination of how it looks and how it works that gives the user a feeling that they are living or working in a future world. Even the name iPad is a play on the ‘PADD’ a futuristic handheld computer from star trek.
3. How has the iPad changed the way some businesses function? Can you find examples of where businesses have implemented the iPad into their day-to-day activities?
I think the 10 hour battery life is a big plus for business use. Combined with the ultra-portable design you can walk around all day freely with your iPad and conduct business with all your data and apps literally at your finger tips.
I found this example of how the iPad is being used in business on Wikipedia:
“During the 2010 Major League Baseball free agent season, the agent for the player Carl Crawford was sending iPads to prospective teams interested in Mr. Crawford. These iPads were pre-loaded with video clips highlighting his player, and how it would benefit their team to have him.”
4. Overall, what other major flaws of this type of technology? Can you think of anyways in the future that this hardware will be improved to the point where it will compete with desktop and laptop computers?
Here is a list of flaws and possible future improvements to the iPad:
· Phone
· 4G
· Multi-tasking
· Faster processor
· USB
· Card reader
· Flash support
· Keyboard input
5. How do you think the iPad could help your day-to-day workflow? Are the answers straightforward? Is it more a case of combining this technology with others that already exist?
I can see the iPad being useful for presentations and meeting with clients. In combination with a fully functional desktop or laptop computer where more processing power and multitasking is required it could be a useful portable information tool.
6. Consider the following–has the iPad shaped the way we do business? Or has business and technology shaped the way Apple developed the iPad?
I think the iPad is changing the way business can be conducted, but I am not sure that everyone will take to this new technology
7. Is the iPad and tablets in general a passing fad? Or do you think this type of technology is here to stay long-term?
It’s hard to say whether the iPad will last I think it depends on what other companies develop over the next few years. The iPad will only be popular while it is seen as a new, futuristic technology. Iif Apple fails to continue to improve the technology then another device which offers something newer and more ground breaking can easily take over.
8. Conduct a discussion with the whole class and determine based on the general consensus the pros and cons of tablet-based technology.
Pros:
· Battery Life
· Portable
· Easy to use
· Looks good
· Light weight
Cons:
· Compatibility
· Performance
· Multi-tasking
· Fragile
9. Many people say that the iPad is an unnecessary piece of hardware caught in limbo between a laptop and mobile phone. Do you think this consensus is accurate. Do you think that your answer could be different in five years time?
I don’t think that it is unnecessary. I believe it is a digital Clipboard/Visual Diary/Portfolio not a standalone computer. It provides a level of convenience which is expected in today’s society. The iPad/Tablet design is unique in the way in which it allows the user to present information in an interactive and direct.
The technological advancements over the next 5 years will determine the fate of the iPad. If Apple can continue to improve the design to meet the need of the consumer then it will continue to be successful, but if another device enters the market which captures the consumers imagination it could fall by the wayside.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Billboard Advertisement Design Brief
Topic: People in industrialised countries eat between six and seven kilograms of food additives every year.
Client: Organic food producer
Target: Social Awareness
Ideas:
· Man biting into burger full of toxic waste
· Plate full of industrial chemicals
· Cereal box with catchy, but disturbing catch phrase – Chemi Pops, Nutri-gene, Clone Flakes
· Soft drink can with toxic waste symbol
· Dinner setting made of laboratory apparatus – beakers for glasses,
Related Websites:
Monday, May 9, 2011
Weight Loss Program
Fitness First
At fitness first we put fitness first. No more diets or counting calories. Our highly trained professional fitness instructors will design a fitness plan for you. Exercise your right to a happy, healthy body. Turn your body into a fat burning machine with a metabolic makeover. Learn how you can eat more and lose weight from our professional nutritionists. Don’t just lose weight gain life.
How it works
By following your personalised fitness plan you can turn up your metabolism making your body burn more fuel. Imagine your body is a fire, the more wood or ‘fuel’ you burn the hotter the fire gets and the more fuel it takes to keep it burning. Now think of food as fuel for your body, the more you exercise the more fuel you burn. So by exercising regularly you can keep your body burning more fuel, burning off fat and allowing you to eat more.
ARTC website - Body Text
STEP UP TO THE CHALLENGE
From the first step on to the bus until the day you march out from the Army Recruit Training Centre (ARTC) at Kapooka, as a soldier in the Australian Army, you will be challenged. It is a life changing experience which requires courage, commitment, physical fitness and mental toughness.
Do you possess these rare qualities?
If so then choosing a career in the Army could be the best decision you ever make. In the Army opportunities are endless and the sky is the limit so set your sights high and aim to succeed. The training you receive at ARTC will be intense and you will be pushed to the limit both physically and mentally, but by the end you will be prepared to take on any challenge as a highly professional and well trained soldier in the Australian Army. A career in the Army isn’t just a job it’s a lifestyle and no matter what job you choose you will be a soldier first.
For more Information…
Visit the preparation page or watch some videos of recruits in training to see what it is really like. Good luck and step up the challenge!
ARTC website - Critique questions
1. Does the copy get to the point quickly?
It doesn’t grab my attention and it’s a bit negative.
2. Is the copy shy about the offer or incentive?
It doesn’t give a lot of information about what to expect or what you are going to get out of a job in the Army.
3. Is it easy to respond to?
No, there is no way of responding, such as a “Join Now” button.
4. Does the copy overcome every objection to replying, leaving the reader with no choice but to act?
No, it’s almost like they are trying to talk you out of joining.
5. Does the copy use simple words?
Most of the copy is simple to read although it doesn’t explain what Kapooka or ARTC is.
6. Does the copy use active language (does it address the site visitor as ‘you’)?
Yes, but it’s not very personal.
7. Is the copy broken down into simple sections and bullet points?
Yes, it is a simple introduction, body and conclusion. The body could have been broken down into a few key points.
ARTC website alternative headings
Brainstorming
1. Your career in the army
2. The army – your career
3. Is an army career for you
4. Your career as a soldier in the Australian Army
5. The Australian army wants you
6. The Army – more than a career
7. The Army – it’s an adventure
8. Make great mates in the Army
9. Be part of the team
10. Live life on the front lines
11. Step up to the challenge
12. Challenge yourself
13. Walk tall
14. The best job in the world
15. Becoming a soldier
16. No need to be civil when you’re a soldier
17. Australian soldiers walk tall
18. Earn the respect of the world
19. The Australian army – a world class career
20. Earn world wide respect as a soldier in the Australian army
21. Take on the world in the army
Short list
1. Is an army career for you
2. Step up to the challenge
3. The Army – more than a career
4. Live life on the front lines
5. Be part of the team
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Pen Tool Practice - Mickey Mouse
Mickey took a lot longer than Stewie as each line had to be drawn as a shape. Although it took much longer to illustrate I think the difference in thickness of the lines give more life to the character. I now have a much better understanding of the difference in quality and time taken to illustrate traditional hand drawn 'Disney' cartoon characters and digitally illustrated 'Family Guy' characters.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Illustrator pen tool practice
I wanted to practice using the pen tool so i traced this....
... Stewie Griffin.
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