Archive by Author
The Local Resource Network: A social network with real purpose
Impactt have just released a wonderful new project which aims to improve labour standards across the world. The Local Resources Network connects corporations and NGOs like M&S, Cadbury’s, Tesco and Oxfam with reliable local organisations all over the world who can help where labour standards issues arise (instances of child labour for example). I did [...]
Full StoryAnonymity as a design tool
One of my favourite cartoons ever, by Peter Steiner in a 1993 edition of the New Yorker I’m enjoying SecretTweet at the moment. It allows users to post anonymous confessions to a public Twitter stream – here are some good recent ones. “Had a choice between two guys to be with a couple years ago. [...]
Full StoryI’m going to SXSW
After missing last year, and everyone waxing lyrical about how it “completely changed their lives”, I decided I had to find out for myself why SXSWi is supposed to be top dog. So, I’m coming, and I’m really bloody looking forward to it. 2008 for me was a disappointing one in terms of events. I [...]
Full StoryMy Dad has a website!
A few weekends ago I introduced my Dad to the glories of WordPress, and he now has his own site. Check it out – he’s spent years developing his own casting techniques which lead to some pretty interesting works. I’d love to say he’ll be on Twitter soon but don’t hold your breath. And, if [...]
Full StoryHow I learn
Photo by Sara I never got on with formal education. The day I finished my last university exam was one of the happiest of my life. I’d become so bored by my course that I taught myself how to build websites in the evenings. Within a few months I was getting paid for it. My [...]
Full StoryHmm, hold on a minute. Is that REALLY an idea?
From Ed Mitchell’s excellent post The Five Golden Rules for multi-platform development Just do one thing for me. Please. If you ever write down an idea – ask yourself one thing: “Is this really an idea or is it a technology in a false moustache?” I’ve recently seen all of these ideas written down (by [...]
Full StoryUsing art, music and film to discover unmet needs
Ethical trade consultants Impactt are now using creative approaches to help former victims of child labour. “We sometimes use art and singing to encourage former child workers to dream about a better future not involving factory work. By getting them to visualise their dreams,we can encourage them to stick with school to reach these objectives.” [...]
Full StorySocial Innovation Camp this weekend
If you’re interested in digital public services, check out some of the winning ideas for The Social Innovation Camp – all being developed into fully working prototypes this weekend. I’ve been impressed with some of the ideas – my favourites are: Vegsy To bring together people who grow food in their home, allotment, small holding [...]
Full StoryLinks for December 2nd through December 4th
These are my links for December 2nd through December 4th: For the first time, jeans to be made in North Korea | Springwise: your daily fix of new business ideas – Wow – the first clothing factory opens up in NK – wonder what the labour standards issues would be in a place like that? [...]
Full StoryWord of the day: Elasmobranchii
“Elasmobranchii is the subclass of cartilaginous fish that includes skates, rays (batoidea), and sharks (selachii).” (Wikipedia) What a word! First person to get it into a conversation with me in the next week wins a fiver.
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