Golden Opportunity

Golden Opportunity, originally uploaded by Rollofunk.

Cleaning machine leaft running, operator nowhere in sight. Yet nobody seemed inclined to take it for a spin (including myself, boring law-abiding citizen as I am).

After-Work Business

After-Work Business, originally uploaded by Rollofunk.

Microsoft Surface Test

Microsoft Surface Test, originally uploaded by Rollofunk.

The Microsoft Surface table was still in Kämp Gallery, and the nice presenter let me shoot some video of the action. Unfortunately the phone isn't at it' best when shooting video. The application is basically a consierge service for shopping centers; The price tag on a purchased item has a QR Code -like patch, and showing it to the Surface brings up other suggested items in other stores fitting the original purchase. This can also be combined with a map function to show where the shop with an interesting maching product is located.

This has good potential in reducing radical fashion mistakes, as long as it's someone with style-sense pre-selecting items to show. Also, this needs to be located in places where people move past but still feel inclined to stop.

Other uses for this tye of application could be navigation screens for elevators in large buildings, or matching wine and dishes at a restaurant, for example.

Brand Timeline

Brand Timeline, originally uploaded by Rollofunk.

Came across this fine piece of self observation and decided to try it on myself:

http://dearjanesample.wordpress.com/2008/05/19/fun-with-brands/

Of course it depends on how detailed (and how honest) you want to be, but what brands make the list tell a lot about the person. Like it or not brands are one way to identify yourself, and brand awareness is never wrong. Take a look at your daily brand contacts; there might even be some surprises.

Some brands are on the timeline because you have to use them, others because you want to use them. Which are which for you, and why?

Microsoft Surface Demo

Microsoft Surface Demo, originally uploaded by Rollofunk.

Spotted while rushing through downtown. Too bad I didn't have time to stop and try it out. Maybe it'll be there still tomorrow. Official site here.

MoA 2009

MoA 2009, originally uploaded by Rollofunk.

UIAH graduation works exhibition was bigger and better than ever. Well laid out and spacious, and some very good projects too. Many of them done for real world needs and companies. If the last times have been slightly underwhelming, this time was a very positive surprise. Best of luck to the new MA's. They're going to need it in this economic climate.

3's The Number

3's The Number, originally uploaded by Rollofunk.

That's 3 years of Mobile Observations done. All this started on a Sunday, May 14th 2006.

During these three years I've been recording observations with three different mobile phones, called three different places home and carried the business card of three different companies. No need to keep up the pace on all accounts during the next three years, I guess.

Stay Safe

Stay Safe, originally uploaded by Rollofunk.

Don't know what was up downtown; Saw a lot of random people wearing or carrying bike helmets. Some viral campaign for increased helmet use when biking, or just coincidence?

Old Skool Elevator

Old Skool Elevator, originally uploaded by Rollofunk.

From back in the day when stuff like this was analogue, and made from cast iron.

Visible Weather

Visible Weather, originally uploaded by Rollofunk.

Pretty spectacular scenery for the evening run.

Chihuahua

Chihuahua, originally uploaded by Rollofunk.

Granny

Granny, originally uploaded by Rollofunk.

Relandersgrund

Relandersgrund, originally uploaded by Rollofunk.

The light was kind of flat today for dramatic HDR shots, but here's one after a quick round in Photoshop. I'll keep trying.

HDR Testing

HDR Testing, originally uploaded by Rollofunk.

No results worth showing yet, though.

One Gear

One Gear, originally uploaded by Rollofunk.

As I was speculating a few years back, fixies and singlespeed road bikes have become pretty popular among certain demographics. Seems they are all over the place these days, and recently the trend even got noted by the mainstream media.

I can see where the cool image is coming from, but no way I'm going to ditch my trusty Heckler anytime soon. Had it since 2003, and it's still as good as new. No major breakdowns, even it has more moving parts than about five fixie bikes (and for the price I paid there shouldn't be any breakdowns either).

Office Tech

Office Tech, originally uploaded by Rollofunk.

Arto's old stereo, which had been just lying around in the office for a long time because "some cable is missing" went live today. The long quiet spell after the previous old crappy boombox was taken down to the proto workshop finally ended.

Accessory

Accessory, originally uploaded by Rollofunk.

Spotted this combined thermometer, compass and whistle gadget attached to a Vaude backpack in a store today. It's easy to see it as a safety accessory, but in reality that compass doesn't look like something I'd like to do serious navigating with. Which is why they included the whistle too, perhaps, to use once you are lost.