29 Aug 03 A New Home for Interaction Designers

We�re here to create a home for interaction designers–what type of home that will be, we do not yet know. Whether we find or build our home, though, it must address the issues and challenges that the many hundreds of us face in our jobs.

Over the past couple of years I have had conversations with many interaction designers and almost without exception these conversations have centered on the need to strengthen our profession through new initiatives, certifications, organizations and more. I have supported almost every effort put forward under this premise with the most recent being AIFIA. As with previous organizations, once AIFIA launched, though, I realized that we–interaction designers–were still missing a home. For me, Togs recent article was the last straw.

This is a unique time in the history of interaction design–so many of us have come together asking similar questions and demanding change. We must capitalize on this opportunity; it is now or never.

Over the next few days you should take some time to look over the schedule of moderated discussions and then, on Tuesday, September 2nd, we’ll begin the first moderated discussion: What problems are we trying to solve? OR What are the organization’s goals?

This discussion will help us nail down some key issues and build a consensus on the type of home we’re looking for, and I look forward to this conversation–I look forward to taking the first steps toward finding or building our home.

As always, keep the open discussions going and invite others to join in. We need all of the brain power we can get. Thanks!

-challis

Visit the site: www.interactiondesigners.com and join the discussion group here.

Tags: User Experience

24 Aug 03 Microscopic Detectives

“A new breed of detective proteins, designed to ferret out target molecules, soon may be walking the beat on a variety of assignments — from helping the Navy search for unexploded ordnance to monitoring blood sugar levels in diabetics.”

“The tailor-made proteins, created at Duke University, are the latest in synthetic biology — a field in which scientists are redesigning biological components to perform specific tasks. Duke’s proteins have been put through their paces with a number of different substances, including TNT, glucose and serotonin.”

“The proteins work by latching onto target molecules. Once bound, the proteins glow to indicate the target has been successfully secured. This fluorescence allows Navy personnel to pinpoint the location of TNT leaking from discarded underwater ordnance, and lets doctors keep a continuous eye on a patient’s blood sugar level.”

Tags: User Experience

23 Aug 03 California State Senator Jackie Speier vs. Banking Industry

Senator Speier labored for four years to pass a bill that would give people more control over their private information. Last week, SB1, Speier’s financial privacy bill, was approved by both houses of California’s legislature, and Governor Gray Davis is expected to sign it into law this week. It requires banks and other financial institutions to get permission before sharing or selling their customers’ personal information. It is the most stringent financial privacy law in the country. Wired News Reporter Katie Dean spoke with Speier recently about the bill, regarded as a landmark victory by privacy advocates. Thank you Senator Speier!

Tags: User Experience

22 Aug 03 Prison Rape Elimination Act Accelerates RFID Initiative

“Alanco Technologies Inc. said today it expects the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 to accelerate adoption of its TSI PRISM(TM) tracking technology in the nation’s prisons and announced a new initiative to assist states to deploy its unique technology by accessing federal matching grants available through the new act.”

“Utilizing wrist-worn inmate transmitters and belt-worn officer safety units, Alanco’s TSI PRISM tracking system tracks and records the location of everyone in a prison facility every second of every day, providing a unique historical database for post-incident investigations and disciplinary proceedings. Proprietary anti-tampering features automatically detect and record any attempt to remove transmitters worn by inmates and staff. Inmates quickly learn that they are being continuously monitored and can no longer hide their activities nor depend on a “silent” inmate population to cover their prohibited behavior. “

Tags: User Experience

20 Aug 03 Sobig is Not a Rapper

My inbox is jammed with Sobig. Folks Pleeeeez get some virus protection and keep it updated!

As for you hackers, can’t you get a date or something. Summer break is almost over. Oh, I forgot you actually can’t.

And you! Yeah you, Microsft. I’m thinking we change your name to Microswiss for that swiss cheese code you’re putting out there. The public is starting to get nervous Bill. We’re uncomfortable knowing that our computers are so vulnerable.

Tags: User Experience

20 Aug 03 The Future of Breath Tests

Researchers at the Ness Foundation, located on the banks of Loch Ness near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands are working on a simple breath test for early detection of a whole range of potentially devastating conditions from schizophrenia to diabetes. While this Wired article reads like an AMA spelling bee, it points out a wonderful use of technology and research for the betterment of humankind.

Tags: User Experience

19 Aug 03 Good Worm to Clean Up After Blaster

A new worm has been bread to repair the damage done by Blaster. A virtual Robinhood if you will. This new computer worm is spreading worldwide through a security hole in Windows – also used by last week’s Blaster worm — but then patching the hole instead of crashing the system like Blaster does.

Tags: User Experience