Monday, November 9, 2009

These really work...

7 Tips for Messy Times, by Mark Hurst

I haven't accomplished the single To-Do list just yet, but emptying the Inbox every day is essential and possible.

Check out the other suggestions!

Friday, October 16, 2009

Okay, Some Things Are Just Too Funny


Check out these recession cases for your iphone...just 99 cents. Hilarious!

Watch this guy demo the "assembly".

Go for the "bail-out bundle" (10 for $7.99) and treat everyone in the office!

Their Q&As rival Woot for a hoot!

Q) Is it waterproof?
A) No, so dont put it in the dishwasher

Q) Is this case flammable?
A) If you light it on fire it is

Q) Does it come assembled?
A) no, see our animated gif for a step by step demo!

Q) What device does this case support?
A) iPhone 1G + 3G + 3GS

Q) How does this case stay together?
A) It has locking tabs at the bottom and top of the case, as well as an adhesive strip to keep the case held together

Q) Can I use this case to microwave my frozen pizzas?
A) I dont see why not, although we cant insure quality taste

Q) Will this case make me awesome?
A) I think that goes without saying

Q) Is there a warranty?
A) no, it is cardboard after all

Q) Can I get a paper cut on my ear while using this case?
A) My first guess would be no, but anything is possible, we dont promote unsafe use of the recession case

Q) How long will the case be sold?
A) as long as it needs to be to get us out of this recession! or while supplies last

Q) Does it come with a screen protector?
A) no, we are in a recession!

Q) How long will the product last?
A) forever as long as you don't destroy it!

Q) Is this case made from recycled cardboard?
A) 100% of only the best for you!

Q) Will the product scratch my device?
A) no! its cardboard not brick!

Q) Is the CM logo impressed on the case?
A) this is known as the "peoples case"

Q) Will this product be sold at case-mate retail locations?
A) Nope! The recession case is sold exclusively here at case-mate.com!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Sometimes You Have to Retreat, A Little

In a previous posts I went off on how Twitter was a total waste of time.

I still feel that way, personally.

But for the last couple of weeks I've been giving it a try as a way to be "in the know" about social networking and the latest buzz.

I started out much the same way GetItDoneGuy did and followed the same pattern: rekindling old friendships, following those who post good content, then following a few celebrities.

It didn't take long to unfollow celebrities (or celebrities' PR people really), except those that appear more authentic (love Ann Curry...breaking news, a few personal tweets).

I definitely don't follow all who are following me. Who are you anway?

I also happen to agree with copyblogger about the challenge to my writing and editing skills, composing and recomposing a 140 character tweet to convey as much meaning in as few words as possible.

As haiku is to poetry.

I've learned a bit from Jakob Nielsen about adding more punch, though I don't do formal iterations. Just informal ones in my head. See his tips on what's good, what's bad and when to Tweet.

I definitely recommend front-loading, which is a technique I learned from Mark Hurst in his book Bit Literacy, regarding e-mail subject lines and the first paragraph in the e-mail. State your purpose and call to action immediately.

Still, plenty of evidence that Twitter will fade as a fad, though:
Why Teens Don't Tweet
Facebook Exodus (can Twitter be far behind?)

But not just yet...Why Adults Have Fed Twitter's Growth

Until then, follow me: ellenking (at least for a little while longer)

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Clever Customer Service and Humor


Who's Al?! :-D

Nothing like being clever and making me smile to engender good feelings about your company and your customer service.

Thanks Better World Books.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

About Making Analysis Visual

In the last few weeks I've used the approach to competitive analysis as explained in this UX Matters article, Differentiating Your Design: A Visual Approach to Competitive Reviews, by Michael Hawley.

We have been looking at imagery on the web to spot trends and see how others are effectively or ineffectively using it. This method is working wonderfully and really tells a great story about where we can differentiate our design from our competitors.

I love that the analysis isn't focused solely on usability, but emphasizes the factors you and your stakeholders think are important. The key is in getting the right dimensions or spectrums with which to measure.

Now that I've been through it once, it'll definitely be in my bag of tricks.