Senz Umbrella

A very interesting design for an umbrella that uses aerodynamics to solve the problem of umbrellas turning inside-out in strong winds.

http://design.spotcoolstuff.com/wind-proof/worlds-best/senz-umbrella

Emma Fawcett

From Up North

Below is a link to a really good website From Up North that provides a lot of inspiration for all types of creativity. You can find inspiration in Graphic Design, Drawing, Painting, Typography, Photography, Web Design, Motion Graphics, Photoshop just to name a few.

http://www.fromupnorth.com/

Sophie Macinol

Sonya Winner - Contemporary Rugs

Sonya designs contempary rugs, which I really like. As they use bright colours and are super different to anything I've ever seen before in terms of carpet. I don't think I would ever be able to put something like them in my house, as they are so bright. But I really like to dream! I especially like the After Matisse designs and the After the Rainbow designs, as they are so out there but still really simple. As are all her designs, they are very geometric and use basic geometric shapes.

http://sonyawinner.com/

Kathryn Currie

SketchSwap

Everyone needs time away from their work and I find doodling a great escape. With this website you are able to draw whatever you like with and in return you can 'swap' your drawing for someone else's. Its a fun way to de-stress while also seeing what is on other peoples minds. 


www.sketchswap.com/

Hannah Faesenkloet

GIZMODO

I found these links on a gadget type site called GIZMODO.

The first link is about an already made, expensive toilet that is equipped with all the latest bells and whistles. I think it shows just how much something even as mundane as a toilet can be thought about in the design process.

Also I just thought it was a ridiculous price for a toilet. $6,400 US dollars translates to about 7476 NZ dollars currently so that is a lot of money for something 'waste-full'.

http://gizmodo.com/5792108/i-sat-on-a-6400-toilet-and-it-changed-my-life

The second link is about Bill Gates offering a large sum of money for a well designed sustainable toilet for developing countries.

http://gizmodo.com/5823091/bill-gates-wants-to-build-a-better-toilet

 

James Godfrey

Has something for everyone!

I stumbled across this website, by accident when I was just looking up some ideas for an old project, since I have enjoyed going back and checking whats new and just browsing through it, I highly recommend it for everyone.

http://www.coolhunting.com/

Adrienne Otto

Weta

Since we are in Wellington, we are part of the city that is world
famous for having Weta Workshops. This website gives you info on all
their latest designs and gives insight into the inner workings of the
company.

http://www.wetanz.com/weta-workshop-services/

Jenny Atkins

Humanrights logo competition - deadline today (31st of July 2011)

At present there is no internationally recognized symbol for human rights. The “Logo for Human Rights” initiative wants to change that! Logos win people over through their symbolic power, distinctiveness, clarity and universal applicability. The initiative was established out of conviction that a human rights logo will make a peaceful contribution towards the global spread and implementation of human rights. In order to find this logo, a global creative online competition with cash prizes and open to everyone is to be launched. The initiative has the support of renowned stakeholders, supporters and partners from all walks of life. More info: http://humanrightslogo.net/pages/how-it-works

Upload your logo on to www.humanrightslogo.net. Discuss and assess the logo competition entries with people from all over the world, sup ported by a team of experts. A prominent jury will make a pre-selection from all the entries. In a global public online ballot, the winner will be chosen from among the top 10.

Angela

Design Competition: Design Your own Alphabet!

I strongly encourage you to participate in this contest. It is open to design students and professionals based in New Zealand.

Design your own alphabet and provide a sample of the alphabet letters spelling "Goethe-Institut" using your alphabet letters. You may submit digital or hand-drawn designs.

Prizes
...- 1st prize: a scholarship for a 4 or 8 week long German language course in Germany in 2012 (international travel and accommodation expenses will be covered)

2nd prize: an i-Pad

3rd prize: German language course at the Goethe Institut in Wellington in 2012

Details
Please combine images of all 26 letters into one A2 poster and also submit a zip file of all 26 letters as one A4 JPEG. In addition, you must use your letters to spell "Goethe-Institut" using your alphabet and send one A4 JPEG file.
Send your email to arts@wellington.goethe.org​ with the subject line "Alphabet Contest" and your files attached. Please include full name, phone number and email adress as well as your postal address in your email. This will only be used to contact you in the event that you are a finalist and for no other purpose.

Submission dates and deadline
The competition opens for submissions on 25 July 2011. All entries must be submitted in print and digitally by 31 August 2011.

The results will be announced on www.goethe.de/nz on 10 September 2011 and selected projects will be exhibited at the Geothe Institut in November 2011. The participants agree to have their works showcased as a Goethe-Institut exhibition and be published on the website and facebook page. In addition the exhibits will remain with the Goethe Institut. 

Angela

Heated Sofa

As I was walking to uni this morning I walked past this heated sofa and thought that it was pretty cool and that I couldn't believe I hadn't noticed it before, considering how many times I had probably walked past it. It's quite neat I felt it and feels like its made out of stone (but I didn't really want to randomly sit there by myself for awhile to feel how it's heated, so I can't tell you how it feels when it is heated). It's across the road from the entrance to Te Aro and I thought if you're like me and havn't seen it before you might want to check it out.

Nisha Makan

Graphic Porn

Here is an awesome design tumblr that I was shown by my RA and I thought I would share it with you all..
Now don't be put off by the name, this blog is full of all things design, and the work on here in amazing.

 

http://graphicporn.tumblr.com/

Hannah Eaton

Don't Click!

Don't Click It is an interesting interactive experiment that challenges the mouse click, which we have become so accustomed to and had believed to be a necessity. It introduces new and interesting alternatives to the mouse click as a means of navigation and interaction.
http://www.dontclick.it/

Dylan Gordon.

NOTCOT

Ideas + aesthetics + amusement.

This website is an inspirational place that provides an area for designers to share their work with any one looking for "ideas + aesthetics + amusement"

The layout creates a breezy feel and allows you to find many interesting ideas when looking for inspiration.

or if your just killing time there is plenty to look at for amusement.

 

http://www.notcot.org/

 

Danielle Mill

Inflatable Furnishings

Relating to 141 and for people looking to go into industrial design i think this inflatable furniture by Jy-Yeon su is a very unique idea and a great place to gather inspiration from, especially considering material and form.

http://www.yankodesign.com/2011/07/19/inflatable-furnishings/

Andrew Young

Creative Commons Kiwi

Have you ever wondered how to download and share digital content legally? This great clip shows you how: http://vimeo.com/25684782

To find out more about Creative Commons in New Zealand visit creativecommons.org.nz

Angela

Mix & Mash competition launching 4th August

The Mix & Mash competition is a great opportunity for students to participate in remix culture, win prizes and make a name for themselves.

http://www.mixandmash.org.nz/

Angela

Stumbleupon

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1mNIgr/nedhardy.com/2011/03/10/34-cleverly-designed-inventions

 Looking at already-designed items and imagining what improvements could be made is said to be a fairly crucial part of industrial design tasks- and yet sometimes you can't help but wonder that maybe everything has already been designed! I thought I would share this blog post as I think it epitomises how simple editions to everyday objects can make things dramatically more convenient for everyday life. When you see some of the designs one wonders how they have never been thought of before! I find it quite interesting, and inspiring, that there are so many improvements that can be made to everyday objects- We might still be able to get jobs yet! Of course some of them are very gimmicky but nonetheless the fine touches to some of the more practical examples- like the bookcase armchair- must be appreciated as they are clearly intended for the homes of the future and are particularly forward thinking. 

Jess Hunt

(past) exhibition at the city gallery

http://citygallery.org.nz/wayne-barrar-an-expanding-subterra/

I had a look at this exhibition the other day at the city gallery, it's one tha'ts definitely worth having a look at and even has a New Zealand connection.
It's very helpful and interesting, especially for those of you taking photography.
It's only running until the 17th of July.

Tom Hall.

Abduzeedo

Abduzeedo is a website i stumbled on a few years ago when i was looking for something new and fresh in my own personal design. This website is almost endless and offers so much, from tutorials, news feed, specific jobs and just general inspiration. I personally look at this site almost every day for ideas and things i can apply to my own work to create something unique, which as designers we all strive to do.

The part which i use the most is definitely the inspiration area, whether you are into graphic design, photography, or just design in general there is something for you. The list goes on, Check it out.

http://abduzeedo.com/tags/inspiration 

Mitch Baker

design advice

http://www.austinkleon.com/2011/03/30/how-to-steal-like-an-artist-and-9-other-things-nobody-told-me/

This is awesome blog that gave a lot of guidence and design advice. enjoy
thanks
Julian Goulding

How to change the time setting on your blog

--> Settings tab
--> Formatting tab (below the main tabs), scroll down a lil bit for the "Time Zone", choose GMT+12 Auckland

Jimmy Nguyen

The 50 Things every Graphic Design student should know

While many of us are Industrial, Media and Culture & Context students, and not strictly Graphic Designers, this visual essay (link below) is still an inspiring and relevant read.

From the website of Jamie Wieck, comes The 50 Things every Graphic Design student should know:

http://www.jamiewieck.com/visual-essays/the-50-things-every-graphic-design-student-should-know/

Enjoy (:

Kiran Matthews

Fri 29th July firstyear workshop closed

Sorry about the inconveniences: on Friday, 29th July, Frances will be away on training and therefore the firstyear workshop will remain closed.

interactive sound program

http://www.sembeo.com/media/Matrix.swf 

This is a neat interactive sound program a friend showed me which I think would be great to look at if you are in the 142 Creative Coding or 112 Interaction Design. Basically you just click to fill in the boxes which each line as a different not so you can begin to create interesting sound patterns. One of the best things about this program however is how the visuals interact with the sound, although not as noticeable when you have few boxes filled in the more that are the more intense the light becomes which is a really cool effect. 

Jack Redpath

Wellington 2040

A project being done by the wellington city council called wellington2040, with an exhibition (shown in picture) on Courtney Street, is currently underway way. Inside a large shipping container are ideas for the up and coming city plan which will be in use for the next 30 years. For this reason it is really important for the people of wellington to contribute to this project and make sure the things that are important to them will continue to exist or even be improved in the future. This project is happening now and will have significant affects on Wellingtons future, if you've ever complained about the city, now is your chance to make a difference.

Chris Pitt

In Case of Zombie Apocalypse

Many of us have indulged in conversations amongst our friends about what we would do in the event of a Zombie apocalypse. For most people, myself included formulating these complex and mostly unrealistic survival plans is just a way to pass time, however for innovative architectural design company KWK Promes from Poland, putting these plans into action became a reality with their unique 'Safe House' design. Slated as the first Zombie proof house by the media it has combined a large concrete strong hold with sleek and elegant modern housing design in an unusual partnership but with beautiful results. The house looks amazing being spacious and letting in copious amounts of natural light, but it is also an example of design with a purpose. Should Zombies ever invade large concrete slabs fold in on themselves and thick metal doors fold down to secure the house into an impenetrable box with the only way in or out a draw bridge from the second level. While the idea that Zombies will attack is fairly unrealistic, KWK Promes have managed to push the boundaries with this unique concept. With so many other interesting building designs such as the 'House of the Rising Sun' and the 'Divine Providence Temple Warszawa" I strongly encourage you to visit their website http://www.kwkpromes.pl/

Ashleigh Blakemore

Studio Oscar & Ben Wilson Design

Last trimester i was getting permission to use a song from english DJ Utah Jazz. I explained to him that i was studying design and wanted to use one of his songs in my project. He said that both his brothers were designers and referred me to their websites. Both of these websites are full of really unique work and its interesting to see the variation in style between the two. I think its good to look at people in the design industry as it gives us an example of what work our design degrees may lead to. Check out the websites at http://www.studiooscar.com/ and http://benwilsondesign.co.uk/

Tyler Frenguelli

How to subscribe to firstyear news with google reader or google homepage

- if you don't have a google account yet, make one https://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount
- go to http://firstyeardesignnews.blogspot.com/
- scroll down to the bottom of the page
- click on Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)
- select google homepage or google reader - whatever you prefer

The blog of inspirations and useful tutorials

This is my favourite design blog that I have known in 2008. I would like to share this blog because it is really useful and has tons of inspirations for your future design works. Going through different aspects of designs and even architecture, the blog updates Daily Inspirations as well. Furthermore, I found that the interviews with some popular designers and the studycase of some members are really useful. About itself, Abduzeedo is a collection of visual inspiration and useful tutorials.

Yes, best of all to me, the Photoshop tutorials are amazing, they are really irresistible. Besides, I didn't go through the whole blog to see each corners of it but there are a lot of other kinds tutorials as well (e.g : Illustrator, Pixelmator, Firework...). You can also find a design job here or get some books to read in spare time.
OK, let's now go open a new tab and go straight to the address : www.abduzeedo.com

Jimmy Nguyen

It’s a Designing world out there.

Sure it’s a game, sure it’s not about us as designers, but this game is the ultimate form or design where you creations can be made, houses, pixel art and recreation of real objects. Anything can happen. Minecraft is your ticket to design heaven. People all round the world play this game almost 24-7 just to impress others with their extensive creations. Sure, I’m basically advertising a game and you should be doing work instead but boy, this is just the design world. I had to show you this because I absolutely love it and all its tremendous creativity and design interaction. Create your mind, create your world design your universe in Minecraft!

Here are some other more impressive creations that other people have made (this one above is just a mare 5 minute house I made):

http://www.geekosystem.com/21-amazing-minecraft-creations/

have fun creating! In your spare time that is ;)

Cameron Watson

Inspirational design blog

http://www.dezeen.com/

This is a design and architecture blog which my brother referred me onto. I've used it a lot throughout the year for help with projects - especially when trying to find inspirational designs or quotes as it regularly posts news and articles of interest about all kinds of design. The search engine is great if you're looking for anything in particular and for anyone that is unsure about careers in design, having a look through the job listings can 

give you a clearer idea on what you can do with a design degree and seeing where it can take you. 

Isabelle Bush

Use this post

The above is by Keri Smith, a freelance illustrator and the author of several bestselling books about creativity. It was adapted from another of her projects entitled “Use this Poster." "The idea is to shift the context in many directions, depending on perception or state of mind." You may find some inspiration within her website too, such as her 100 ideas post.

Lydia Diver