conference goodies

The conference left me with many questions, but also tipped me off to some cool websites, interesting projects, people, books, etc. I also appreciated particular things several of the speakers said. So here's a list of the goodies that emerged from emergence:

websites.

www.many-eyes.com
freaking awesome data visualization service for anyone. I can't wait to play with this site. I also wonder if information graphics people are feeling a bit nervous?
www.threadless.com
www.etsy.com (ebay for crafts)
http://www.getafirstlife.com/ (satire of second life online game)
http://blackle.com/ (does this really save energy?)

statements, questions, words.

We have multi-billion dollar training events that have to teach people how to use tools that weren't designed by designers.
Selling design involves very quickly demonstrating value.
The average power drill is used for 4 minutes. (!!!!)
A little bit of empathy in the hands of a designer can go a long way.
Every 'streetcar' takes 6 private cars off the road.
A strong sense of optimism is irreplaceable to a designer. Always be optimistic about how you can make changes to better the world.
Design should become a universal joint between business and all things produced.
The focus of a product should shift from its use as an artifact to its role in an experience (i.e. ipod)
There's an ambition here for design to go into every discipline... will it be accepted and is this realistic?
Service activates people, brings about justice because it gives people the knowledge and information required to act.

field research
usability
tag cloud
tree map
social network diagrams (i love these)
customer deliery experience
design sensibilities
rapid prototyping
participatory design
storytelling and narrative visual presentation
visualizing scenarios
measure longterm effects (in order to show value)

curiosities - books, people, firms
"Massive Change"; "Information Anxiety"
George Nelson (most articulate speaker, advocate for design); Jane Jacobs (urban landscaper); Colombian politician...?
ThinkPublic; Live/Work Studio; HowardDesign; Electronic Ink