N O U N : A design blog by Oliver Oike

This is a wonderful new children’s book by Lane Smith (but really, it seems like it’s directed more at parents). We picked up a copy over the weekend. From a design point of view, I think the above video – while a great tool for helping get the word out -  impacts the first impression of the book by introducing an animation style that was probably not envisioned by the illustrator from the outset.

That said, you should get the book. It’s a reminder to put down the electronics and engage in reading with your kids.

Publisher’s Page:
http://us.macmillan.com/itsabook

“Celebrate The Printed Book” Facebook Group:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=116067895099706

My girls MUST go to this camp.

Found at Mid Century Modernist.

It’s a year old, but it’s purty. From Sebastian Lange at My Name Was God.

via Craig Rennie.

Order here.

Professor Philip Zimbardo conveys how our individual perspectives of time affect our work, health and well-being. Time influences who we are as a person, how we view relationships and how we act in the world.

Found via Caterina.net

Nice evolution of interactive periodical UI design, jump-started by the iPad.

Joe Wilcox from BetaNews recently retracted his criticism of the iPad, and made specific mention of the oft-heard criticism that it’s “…the CD-ROM of 2010…”

A short peek into the behind-the-scenes world of Pantone. Short interviews with John Maeda, Swiss Miss and more. More info at Creative Review.

How did I miss this? The last show I saw before moving back to Winnipeg from Vancouver in 2003 was Blur, and it was one of the best shows I’ve ever been to: a mature band, at the tail end of their run, in perfect form, running through an extra-long set of their best, in an ideal venue (The Vogue). This DVD looks to be the same. “Cut down on your porklife mate. Get some exercise!”

I have the good fortune of attending ICOGRADA’s Design Week 2010 in Vancouver at the end of April. The GDC is a Host Partner for the event, and a few good friends have been logging a ton of extra-curricular hours to ensure a world-class event. I’m really looking forward to it (not to mention the visit to Vancouver, my old stomping grounds).

Cur”rency\ The state or quality of being current; general acceptance or reception; a passing from person to person, or from hand to hand.

Design has the power to influence our core values, our identity, our expectations and our worldview. Design brings clarity and enhances meaning. Design Currency 2010 offers designers, business leaders and government the opportunity to experience current design thinking. Reshape your understanding of the value of design.

Register for Design Week Now.

For centuries, the blooming of cherry blossoms (sakura) in Japan has held a near-magical significance, inspiring poetry, art, music, and kimono designs, while also symbolizing new beginnings. After the heavy grayness of a long winter, there is something about spring that warms the shoulders, lightens the step, brings a smile to the face, and makes one feel more alive. Everywhere you look, pink is in season: sakura bath products, sakura sweets, and sakura tea. It is a time for new students (shinnyusei) to enjoy time with their parents at school entrance ceremonies (nyugakushiki), a time for new employees (shinshakaijin) to join a company. Weddings are often scheduled for this time, with the floating sakura making a splendid background for photos of the bride (hanayome).

Full article: A Springtime Walk on the Riverbanks of History

From Keiichi Matsuda. Thanks to Pomo Project for the link.