At work, I use a Logitech LX5 laser mouse and keyboard. They are functional and ergonomic- all I could really ask for. If it had been up to me, I would gone with a corded keyboard + mouse.


Why use corded when it looks so much cooler to have a wire-free desktop?
Because I hate replacing batteries: it's inefficient, expensive, and not in line with that one popular movement going on.



The mouse uses 2x AA batteries. One day, there was a pop-up that "my batteries are critical" and to replace them. As an experiment, I waited it out to see how long it would take for total battery death. It took 4 WEEKS. WTF, Logitech?


Why not alert the user at 5% of batter life?


It took ~3 months of constant Mon-Fri usage to get to this point. I wonder how many batteries are prematurely replaced when there's still life in them (this is a great solution to that problem). So at about 25% battery life, Logitech's driver kicks in to alert the user it's time!


Are batteries more likely to leak when they are completely drained?


I just did a quick Google search and the answer is... yes! Apparently, using the battery gradually wears out the metal in it- eventually causing the internal chemical reaction to leak out (i.e. leakage in flashlights). Even though if an user disposed of batteries at 25% life to prevent leakage, it only delays the process. I don't know what happens to batteries when they are "properly disposed of" but I bet that most people just throw away their batteries in the trashcan.


Conclusion: Avoid disposable batteries. Utilize alternative and more efficient methods of obtaining power for devices. I have never talked about batteries to this degree...

Inspired and motivated by WANKEN. Beautiful design: I appreciate his level of presentation and the way he documented his process. Using only the photography he shot was another aspect of dedication that makes his project really stand apart.

I'm still conceptualizing on how to transition this blog into a design blog- please bear with me as I figure this out! I have not moved on to the physical format of my portfolio but this is the latest iteration of my 2nd version of my teaser portfolio that I'll be emailing out in search of an industrial design staff position.


The Objective:


1_To entice employers with a glimpse of my teaser portfolio
2_Get contacted from a design firm that they want to setup an interview
3_Show the entire portfolio at this point and verbally walk them through it


Background:


There are so many ways to do a portfolio. I only have 5-10 seconds to kick down the door and grab their attention without being able to talk to them (imagine having to browse through 200+ of these in order to fill a position-- I once heard 75% are absolute crap, 20% are decent, and 5% are drop dead showstoppers). Some stiff obstacles but I love the challenge.

My strategy was to concisely showcase my process of how I reach a solution. There are 3 projects in here and each one is meant to show a different skill. At the moment, even though it took tons of editing to boil it down to what it is now, it still needs to be even more concise. I'm still figuring out how to do that. There's also a last page that I'm currently designing that will visually communicate more of me as a person that an employer can't get from looking at a portfolio and resume. WHEW!

...Why not?


I might as well mix the design element into this blog... Starting from a quick doodle.

F-ROD cut his hair.


D can be a shark. Watch out.




Nike's branding and presence was legit- bright lights, dj booth high above everyone, and a cohesive visual presence. (Note to self: learn and implement when the opportunity arises to design an event space...)


I see red people. (about 8,000 runners)





Triumph!

After Jess went back to Long Beach and the rest of her family to London/Australia, I got to relive backpacking solo mode- but this time on the Greek islands! Although only for a couple of days, this was a big deal for me since I didn't get to go backpacking this summer. Off season just started on the islands so they were all winding down for winter.

Must return when I(we) have more time.

Waiting for the ferry to dock (and then get bombarded by locals trying to win your business for their hostel).

My quiet hostel on Ios.

I want to trade shoes with this guy.

Backpacking life is good for my health.

You'd expect pictures of the Greek beaches but at this point, I stopped taking pictures and just became a beach bum.

Greece (reflections):
_only need 1-2 days for Athens
_enjoy 95% of your trip on the islands
_taxis are really cheap
_rent a quad or scooter for 20 euros and explore the island you're on
_eat more Greek food

The newly weds!



I'm not sure why I'm making that face. The family's island house where the reception was held at plus the sweet view. Jess sittin' pretty in Athens.



Jess's cousin Dana is super cool and works for NPR!

The reception, up until 6am!

Oh yeah! There was a Greek trip not too long ago- mainly of which involved Jess's brother Simon's 1/2 Australian 1/2 Greek wedding on an island.  Finally met her family and enjoyed some amazing Greek hospitality. 

Many stories to be told before this took place. It involved tequila, an amazing night time view of the Parthenon while standing in the rain, 3 brothers and yakuza, and then acupuncture.

Jess's brothers Paul and Sean are tall.

The Athenian stray dogs are no joke.

The Aussie family

Jess in ninja mode.