Life in Pixels

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  • What is Design?

    There are many objects in our world. From the moment you wake up, you have encountered the Designed World – the world that was thought-out by engineers and designers to make your life better.

    But what exactly is design? What does it entail, and how do we know when we’ve encountered something designed?

    I’ve been fencing with this question for some time now. And whilst I haven’t come to a conclusion, my best thought is that design entails that which has been thought about, thoroughly, before its execution. Thus, any object that has been considered from a host of perspectives, where the person behind it has truly considered what they are unleashing upon the world.

    There’s much talk these days about sustainability and “going green” – thus the argument arises: should we continue to create objects at the rate we are doing so? Or should we take a step back, and consider what is already there, and then think about the long-term goals of implementing solutions to counteract the devastating environmental effects currently afflicting our planet?

    Thus, design has become an entity that has both changed the world, and is currently being changed by the world. It will be interesting to watch the drama that unfolds as long-term objective products fight against the more temporal objects currently thrown at us.

  • Four Books I’m Looking Forward To

    Along with some great films releasing over the remainder of 2012, this year promises to be an excellent year for books. Here’s my list of books I can’t wait to get lost in over the next few months:

    • Spud – Exit, Pursued by a Bear

      John van de Ruit’s final installment in the popular Spud franchise. Love the books or hate them, they have become wildly successful here in South Africa, and their combination of humour and wit are the perfect blend for an escapist read. The book lands on shelves on the 4th of August.

    • Artemis Fowl: The Last Guardian

      Artemis Fowl has become one of my favourite characters in teen fiction. Whilst my reading tastes have certainly changed over time, Artemis has been (and always is) a fun read. Even though most of us prefer to think that we’re “higher” than the level of teen fiction, in a market saturated by vampire fiction, it’s refreshing to see a solid character set in an intriguing universe. Plus, Eoin Colfer is always fun to read!

    • Oblivion

      Anthony Horowitz is one of my favourite authors of all time. He has become, in a way, a mentor for my writing career, an inspiration spurring me to write better. Oblivion is the final installment in his brilliant Power of Five horror/thriller series. Judging from the previous books (especially Necropolis), Oblivion is set to be another page-turner. It’s also, apparently, the longest novel Horowitz has written.

    • The Casual Vacancy

      J.K. Rowling’s first novel since the final Harry Potter epic. Need I say more? Whilst there’ll be no wizards in this new book, there’s sure to be Rowling’s distinct magic emblazoned upon each of the 512 pages. Release date: 27 September 2012.

  • Status Update: Back in CPT

    Six weeks flies faster than a new Boeing 747-8. In fact, thinking about it, I’ve been on “holiday” for longer than the regular six-week mid year vacation, since I actually finished “exams” earlier than most.

    So anyway, I write this blog post from Cape Town after vacationing at home in Durban for the past six weeks. However, if you look to the right sidebar, you’ll see the countdown timer set for my next voyage home (for private reasons). This semester will be full of traveling for me, and whilst I love traveling, I know it’s going to be both exhausting and challenging. I say bring it on.

    I’m excited for the new term, and I’ve got a few personal projects lined-up to keep me busy in my downtime. Having finished with most software development/design work for SKKSA over the past six weeks (yes, I work even when on holiday…), I now have some time to focus on my personal goals. Exciting stuff.

    Keep an eye on the blog for more posts, and be sure to subscribe via email (from the right sidebar) or RSS (link at the top of the blog).

    All for now.

  • Timeless Design #1: Parker Jotter

    The very first pen I ever used (once I had gotten my “pen license” back in Grade 4) was a Parker Jotter. Since then, the phrase “ballpoint pen” has come to be synonymous, for me, with Parker’s iconic design.

    But what makes this pen so iconic?

    It lies in the simplicity of the design. The Jotter is a clean, professional, straightforward writing instrument. The “feathered arrow” clip has come to signify this design, as has the tapered, almost bullet-like barrel. Since its introduction in the 1950s, the Jotter’s design hasn’t changed much. The technology within the pen is in itself remarkable, and shows the level of attention to detail, and the care and craftsmanship behind the design. For example, each click rotates the ink cartridge 90˚, ensuring even wear on the delicate plastics of the refill.

    But for the average user, such things are inconsequential, and the pen’s design speaks for itself: its smooth surfaces, chromed clip holder and matte or shiny barrel present an inviting instrument beckoning one to jot down thoughts.

    And it’s light. This, alone, is a major factor in the success of the pen: it truly lives up to its name, allowing rapid movement across the page.

    The Jotter’s colour scheme is another major design point. Throughout its long history, this pen has featured a range of bright colours appealing to students, and more subdued, “serious” tones perfect for diligent scriveners or boardroom warriors.

    I’ve gone through numerous Jotters since I began writing in ink. And whilst I continue to live a life in pixels, the Jotter will always remain my faithful companion, ready to ink my thoughts and ideas.

  • Introducing the Timeless Design Series

    Every so often, we are graced with products that are so beautifully designed, they manage to stand that most arduous of tests: the test of time. As  a person who values the power of good design, and appreciates the efforts taken by the engineers and designers who have put together these products, I’ve decided to create a post series highlighting a selection of products that I personally love, and think have the mettle to be lasting icons.

    Over the next few months, I’ll be writing about these products, from both the analogue and digital world, that have transformed the way we live our lives through their brilliant design.

    I personally believe that good design is something that can easily be achieved, no matter the budget, if those involved take the time to think, and carefully consider the way the elements are put together to create a project. Time, and not money, is the key essence to producing work that can really contribute to bettering the way our world is shaped.

    Look out for the Timeless Design Series on Pixelated Thinking. You can subscribe to the blog via RSS or email (form is on the sidebar).