Life Logging

I was watching a show the other night about Life Logging. Set up at Dublin City University by computer science professor Alan Smeaton. The concept is quite simple but one that really struck me as a great idea. Over the last few years, Alan Smeaton and other people have been taking part in a study which involves the use of a small digital camera necklace placed on them. The camera is designed to take a picture every 30 seconds or when it detects movement or a change in the light around it.

The study is based around memories and how we treasure some memories more than others, with the basic premise being that novelty makes things unique. The clever part about the study is the computer system behind it. The system actually loads all of the pictures taken from the cameras into a computer and through the system, pictures are measured for differences between each other. So ones that have similar attributes are seen to be less important because they appear over and over again, yet pictures that are more and more unique in comparison to others are seen to be stand out moments within peoples lives.

The basic idea of the system which has seen developments from Nokia and Microsoft is seen as a way to release peoples memories from menial tasks so they can become as creative as possible. The system allows people to play back over eight hours of images in around three minutes. I think for me this opens up a number of ideas and possibilities to create new ways of remembering and also storing information.  

Cardiff Design Festival 2008 Launch

Well all of the hard work has paid off. We got all of the boards produced on time and the Festival Launched last evening at the Senedd. It was really well attended by most of the design community of Cardiff. The exhibition also had an added dimension this year in some cases with the real items being show alongside flat work. With the new addition it gave you more understanding of the products and projects. 

For us personally it was also really nice to see some of our work displayed. We were on the boards with our work for Sobor fruit smoothies and also the Academi's Book of the Year award. We also managed to get some of our work for cfar - centre for fine art research onto the tables. 

Lost Balloon

UWIC students visit the Hoffi office

Our newly designed studio got tested to the extreme yesterday when we were invaded by over 11 3rd year graphic design students from UWIC. We are once again helping UWIC out with one of their professional study projects. This year we are going to be setting a branding project for the groups to give them a further insight into professional practice and how projects are realised in the commercial sector.

The project will last for around a month or so and we will let you know what we thought of the experience as it happens, the results will be published on the NakedWales website in the next few months or so. for an idea of cramed our office was and to get a sneak peak of the new decor have a look at the image.

Cardiff Design Festival 2008 - NakedWales launch

So the Festival is just round the corner and we are busy producing the exhibition for the festival as well as this though we are also arranging a get together for the design community through the NakedWales website that we run. We are looking at Tuesday 14th in the Bay somewhere. We should have all the details confirmed tomorrow so look out for your invitation by email of course.

On another note we are hoping this years festival will be bigger and better than ever, so look out for some other the other events such as the Ball at the end which is sounding very intriguing.

Hoffi's opinion - Creative Choices

It was a while ago now (even before we refurbished our studio), but Creative & Cultural Skills have produced a website called creative choices. As the name would suggest it is all about careers and development in the creative sector. Through their cultural leadership programme they came to our (Hoffi) offices to ask our opinion of design and in particular bilingual design and the unique problems and opportunities it represents.

It is always horrible seeing yourself on the tv but we hope it helps people make a decision on their futures and hopefully will increase interest in the design sector in Wales, both privately and also to a wider public audience.

www.creative-choices.co.uk

New Climbing Wall in Cardiff

I have not been climbing for sometime. I think the last time was about a year ago and then before that it was about two years. But with the opening of a new climbing wall in Cardiff I have decided that I am going to try and go more often and get back to being fit. When I  was younger I used to go at least twice a week and then all weekend on a trip to either North Wales or one of the local crags. The centre is really well positioned for me to get too and so I am looking forward to it although I know how much hard work it is going to take before I am anywhere near what I used to be.