The thinking space is also where we get to rant and rave about issues pertaining to the design, branding and creative industries both locally and abroad. Our aim is to develop a strong, balanced voice for the UK design industry. And probably most of all, to entertain you.
We have contributors across the board, not only from Cliff the Firedog Chief, but also from all the talented people who create and work in the Firedog studios. Therefore the views, opinions, comments and criticisms do not necessarily represent Firedog views, they're the independent and collective view of all staff, authored and presented independently without bias or censorship. Enjoy...
After a hard days graft at the office, I made my way home and sat down in front of the telly for some “switch off” time. It was not to be.
Having a look at the line up, I spotted a programme called The Fixer with Alex Polizzi on BBC Two. Mmm, I thought to myself, that rings a bell. A bridal shop. A mum with two daughters. More bells ringing. Then I recalled, last summer we were approached by Alex on behalf of Twofour to lend a hand in the making of a reality show. It was meant to screen this summer – So I was not exactly expecting my mug to be splashed across my Samsung in high definition. Does everyone look so, mmm, shiny?
Clifford Boobyer
Managing and Creative Director, digital music nut, traditional pen and paper fan, not-a-mac kind of guy
1
February 2012
Last weekend I was fortunate enough to see for myself the many spectacular creative works by Leonardo da Vinci, currently displayed for a limited time, in the National Gallery.
More fascinating and intriguing than the paintings, were the sketches and plans undergone in preparation for his many famous works of portraiture. These pieces explored anatomy, material folds and dimension. It was a special privilege to see these plans up close – not least because the vast majority of these preparatory pieces are owned by the Queen and form part of her private collection.
Natasha Dudley
Account manager, does not like spiders, studio psychologist, tea and scones are fine by me
1
February 2012
And it’s not even a product in development… I’ve only just woke up to the fact that the iPhone 4 retina display carries a resolution of 326ppi (That’s pixels per inch).
Clifford Boobyer
Managing and Creative Director, digital music nut, traditional pen and paper fan, not-a-mac kind of guy
31
January 2012
1. Stare at the red dot on the image below for 15 seconds
2. Glance over to a blank surface (a nice white wall ideally)
3. Blink like your life depends upon it.
FYI: I stumbled across this excellent optical illusion over on the Quipsologies blog.
Samuel Cane
Digital Designer and planner, ex Butcher and fishmonger, proper code zealot, built this site
27
January 2012
The Exhibit bar in Balham, South London has installed the world’s first pee-controlled video game units, developed by engagement marketing startup Captive Media.
Every urinal in the gents has a 12in LCD screen that’s hooked up to a (hands-free) console which features the game ‘Off the Piste’. Drinkers masterfully steer their pee from left to right, under the watch of infra-red sensors, to navigate a skier down the slope, gaining points for taking out penguins! At the end of the game, players are encouraged to post their scores via mobile to Twitter and to a live leader board so they can compete with their mates.
Lee Scott
Design Director, long distance commuter, PSP devotee, fantasy football fan
20
January 2012
