It’s been shown in a number of studies that HTML emails perform better than equivalent plain-text emails, so as a design agency we are often called upon by our clients to create HTML templates to support their online communications activities.
It seems like a simple task – create a newsletter design based on the website – a couple of hours work, maybe? Unfortunately, the task is deceptively difficult…
Earlier this month I presented at DUX in Chicago on our Mobile Diary method (link to Pdf of paper). The conference theme was on the shifting landscape of design (and our roles within it). I outlined the re-negotiation of conventional processes and boundaries I see occurring in our design process as a result of research methods such as Mobile Diaries. This is because participants generate research ‘data’ themselves (self-reporting) with blogs and mobile devices, in a way similar to that of user generated content or citizen media.
Perhaps it’s fitting that tomorrow, election day here in Oz, is also international Buy Nothing Day (BND). Perhaps we shouldn’t be buying all the propaganda that will be floating about 
I’m personally not much of a fan of “anti” campaigns (”anti-globalisation”, “anti-consumerism” etc.) – I much prefer supporting positive campaigns that demonstrate or suggest alternatives.
It is a shame that Chinese has not become the language of the web (…yet!). English and Chinese adopt fundamentally different approaches to representing language and meaning, and it’s interesting to think how the web and information systems might change if Chinese continues to progress towards linguistic ascendancy.
Colophon is a word not often heard outside of conversations between typography nerds. But it’s a word worth adding to the web nerd’s vocabulary.
Yesterday the Premier of NSW Morris Iemma announced a radical shakeup of our state’s liquor licensing laws. The changes follow an intense couple of months campaigning which was spearheaded by our very own Raise the Bar campaign. Its a great result for the campaign as pretty much everything we had been calling for appears to have been included, most importantly cheaper, simpler small bar licenses will become law in NSW at last.
The impact this will have on NSW cultural life should not be underestimated; alternative music and art galleries will become economically viable overnight, small experimental venues will open stimulating more conversations, political debate and cultural exchange amongst the diverse audiences they will attract. This isn’t really about drinking, this is about the cultural fabric of society, though the art of drinking will be improved too with more variety such as organic beers and wines being given a chance to flourish in the smaller venues.