Many Thanks

Last year around this time I was just starting to plan how I could positively change society with design, this year I'm re-designing that project and making it a live website. Formerly called 1000 ThankYous, Many Thanks is a website that promotes positivity and the lost tradition of saying thank you.

With a positive outlook on life everything is just a little bit easier, your body is a little bit healthier and you appreciate your loved ones that much more. The website gives visitors a place to submit their thank you notes and read the stories of others who have submitted on the site. MANY THANKS also includes a variety of printable thank you cards to promote the giving of physical cards. Even if you don't have a story to submit, check out the site and see what others had to say, I guarantee it will brighten your day.

The Internet Case Study Book

To help improve the designism (Design for positive social change) project I am working on (1000 Thank Yous) I have been doing some research. Dave, a classmate suggested that I read The Internet Case Study Book to find out what successful websites have done in the past. In the social media section I read that there are three things that most good websites have; publishing, participation and personalization. Users like being able to add to the content of the site, participate in games and blogs, and personalize their own area of the site. Users need to be engaged, have a reason to stay on the site and a reason to return.

One of my favourite websites was last.fm. last.fm is a website that collects information on your favourite bands then suggests other songs and bands that you may like, your own personal music guru! On top of suggesting cool new music, the site has free MP3 downloads.

Some other websites that I found interesting were the Eternal Moonwalk in memory of Michael Jackson and Green Peace Brazil’s online web campaign. Green Peace Brazil created videos speaking out against the government and the things that are affecting the environment the most. Their creative and diverse approach helps to touch a wider audience and keeps repeat viewers interested.

While I don’t anticipate my website becoming an instant hit, if I could brighten at least one person’s day, I’d be satisfied.

OCAD U Rebrand

While I used to consider emails from DesignEdge spam, I recently started reading them and found out otherwise. They have some interesting short stories with links to full articles, job postings and contests related to design.

Today there was an article about the rebranding of OCAD. I wondered for a long time why OCAD hadn’t changed their name to suit their new classification and my question has finally been solved; in June of this year their name was officially changed to OCAD University. The University published a public request for proposals in July and announced at their Welcome Back Corn Roast that Bruce Mao was selected to develop a new identity for the University.

I can’t imagine being in the shoes of Bruce Mao, trying to represent an entire university would be quite the task. This would be especially hard since you are trying to meet the wants and needs of wild, artsy and particular students, not to mention the staff and alumni. Each critic would likely think they know what the school needs and just how to execute it. With such strong design opinions coming down on him, I’m interested to see what Mau comes up with, and especially how it is received by the public.

The Outer Limits

To my surprise the Outer Limits credo reads, “It is said that if you move a single pebble on the beach, you set up a different pattern, and everything in the world is changed. It can also be said that love can change the future, if it is deep enough, true enough, and selfless enough. It can prevent a war, prohibit a plague, keep the whole world... whole."

I never thought that a sci-fi show would interest me, but with a credo like that I’m intrigued. It is a refreshing perspective in a world with so many ideas and muddled ways of thinking. Each decision we make, whether consciously or subconsciously, affects everyone around us and what the future holds. While dwelling on each decision isn’t a good idea, it’s important to think before you speak. While I can’t seem to follow through, my Dad’s biggest piece of advice is not to sweat the small stuff. Everything changes and will continue to change just do you best, it’s all you can do.

Signage en España

Each time I tell someone I am going to Spain they ask me something new. One of the latest questions was how will you read the signs. I didn't really think it would be an issue as most signs have fairly universal symbols on them and it appears I was right.

There are a couple major differences in road signs, instead of our rounded corner rectangles, Spain displays information on circles. Another difference is that we use reversed type and they opted for the classic black on white. I guess my 6 hour drive from Barcelona to Bilbao will give me a good chance to decide which I prefer. I have a funny feeling that Canada and the United States chose reversed type for a reason, but why not try something new.

Some of the other signs I found were a bit busy for my liking, but I thought this one was fantastic!

Spain!

In just over a week I will be making my way to Spain and I couldn’t be happier. The plan is to have no plan, be spontaneous, do what I want, have fun! While I have planned a couple hostels that is about it I haven’t planned much else. There are definitely some things I want to see, Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, La Ramblas and the beach and I’m hoping I’ll have time to see them all. Check out all of the neat things I’ll be seeing in person.

Yes Man

Just when I got my workload under control, my personal life exploded. While I’ve had a great summer and done a lot of fun things, I feel like I haven’t had the chance to just sit there and get bored. While most people dislike being bored, I could really use a bored day.

I started off July with some weekend work at Tim Horton’s and then moved on to visiting the people I missed over the year. Next I prepared for my G test and passed! Words cannot express how happy I am to be done with the graduated licensing system (until I’m 80 that is). The third weekend in July I ran the Dirty Dash, a 4KM fun run, that I had set as a goal at the start of the summer. The weekend after that my parents took my family white water rafting, a fantastic trip all around. This past weekend I got to relax at my family picnic at my grandparents’ cottage on the Bruce Peninsula. Camera in hand I documented some cute moments and had a great day.

A trend I’ve noticed is that I’d rather do things and be tired than miss out. I’m doing my best to be a yes woman.