Technology is a means, not an end: usage is!

So I am about to head to the Microsoft Partner Conference with two outstanding people (Damon from FullSix/7Seven and Manuel from EMakina-Groupe Reflect should you wish to know) and as I browse through the list of agencies present I come across Projekt202.

Their baseline pitch is just so true… It is really not technology that matters but rather usage. Give more sense to a phone, add a twist of design and let the users do the rest… it is a non-issue that the network sucks rocks, that the battery will die on you faster than you can say “call me on my fixed line”, all that really matters is that you can relate to what it is you will do with it. And this is easier said than done!

Technorati Tags: 7Seven, digital advertising, digital design, emakina, Microsoft, reflect, FullSix, web 2.0

100 best web applications

WebWare has just announced the results of its poll to pick the top 100 best web applications. The obvious ones are there, and we all use them on a daily basis. It is yet interesting to digg and discover ones unheard of (at least as far as I am concerned) like LastFM which makes it possible not only to listen to music but also to explore the long tail of hidden talents you may like based on your “mass-market” tastes. 

Technorati Tags: Internet, long tail, web 2.0

iPhone: when the co-marketing content deals turn into viral marketing

So today is the day the iPhone becomes widely available in the USA. Apart from the device itself, the network it is currently locked with, it is interesting to take a look at the viral marketing videos swamping the net. Interestingly enough, the New York Times, which has a co-marketing agreement with Apple, released a few “review” videos which in fact are more promotional ones. Even Walt Mossberg is turning into a billboard guy, yet you may want to take a peek at its Q&A with Steve jobs. 

Technorati Tags: Apple, digital advertising, digital design, iPhone

Microsoft Surface… try before you buy ;-)

For those of you interested in Microsoft Surface, try the following Silverlight application.

It will enable you to handle the pictures the way you would normally do it using only your hands. For the real thing, I suggest you fly to Vegas and play with it next fall in selected casinos. 

Technorati Tags: digital design, Microsoft, Silverlight, surface

Evolution of design @ Apple

An interesting work from Edwin Tofslie on the evolution of design @ Apple.

Technorati Tags: Apple, digital design, form factor

Popfly: franchise products announced

Following our MIX’07 Paris event, a select number of franchise products are being launched. As can be seen below we currently have 4 models, based on the popular popfly gizmo. Should you feel interested, do not hesitate to contact us for further information. Pricing is yet to be determined and will be based exclusively on the demand curve.

Technorati Tags: Microsoft, Popfly

Can the Internet be saved?

Interesting interview (here) of Jonathan Zittrain following his paper in the latest edition of the Harvard Business Review.

He is currently working on a book called “The future of the Internet and how to stop it” due out next year. Those of you interested may want to check the lecture he gave at the Oxford Internet Institute last April.

Technorati Tags: HBR, Internet, web 2.0

It is not the iPhone, it is the network you stupid!

Interesting comment found in today’s FT; simply the best piece of paper on earth! Arguably, the points being made for the US cellular networks also apply here in Europe where large cities face overcrowded cells in which the real bandwidth is very different from the theoretical one and the overall user experience still an unpleasant one. I especially like the analogy with the car industry… it is right to the point

Stylish devices in search of a network.

Brands struggle to address consumers’ multiple digital identities online

Back from Cannes, a French article on how the numerous identities we now have when online make it difficult (yet interesting) for brands to address consumers.

Les publicitaires cherchent à comprendre les identités numériques

Microsoft to support interactive designers: “IDEES de Design” launches in France

I am very proud to announce that “IDEES de Design” is officially launched here in France. Its goal is to promote digital design, and especially interactive designers. These skills become more and more critical as the digital side of our daily lives gets bigger and bigger.

The IDEES program has been around for more than a year now. “IDEES de Design” will follow suite and embrace the global digital design ecosystem. We do believe it is both an economic challenge for both our partners and customers but also a national one when it comes to promoting our digital assets.

The press release (in French) can be found below.