Facebook has been around for a while and was launched back in 2004. It now boasts more than 600 million users worldwide. Users can create a personal profile, add other users as friends, and exchange messages, including automatic notifications when they update their profile. Users can join common-interest user groups, which are organised by workplace, school or college, or other characteristics. Facebook continue to develop new application technologies allowing users to drive more traffic to their page. The majority of big companies who have websites will more than likely have some Facebook presence.

Twitter is a slightly different service. It offers a social networking and microblogging service, enabling its users to send and read messages called tweets. Tweets are text-based posts of up to 140 characters displayed on the user’s profile page. Its become very popular with public figures and celebrities who can be ‘followed’ and inform their ‘followers’ of what they are doing or share information at any given time. It can be a great way to release news. If a celebrity has something to say, they can ‘tweet’ it themselves allowing the news groups to follow up on the tweet. It’s no longer news services broadcasting the latest news, it is the individuals through mediums such as twitter.

Google – everyone has heard of them. Its probably where you do  most of your searching on the web.  They have already had a stab at the social networking with ‘Google Buzz’ which was short-lived. Recently they announced Google+ which is Googles attempt to make a bold step into the networking scene.

It doesn’t make sense for Google to copy Facebook or Twitter… They are both very useful in their own right. It needs to do something different. One of the main aspects of Google+ is the ‘Circles’ feature, which is an attempt to help ‘organise’ contacts into smaller, more manageable groups, as opposed to grouping everyone as friends. This means that you can keep your work colleagues in one circle and family in another circle for example. You can share information within them ‘circles’. Couple this with a group chat/video facility, you can see where Google is heading with this. To join Google+ you may have to wait a while as its by invite only at the moment, so that the product can be tested before a full release.

As you would expect with Google, a lot of the marketing is spot with some great consideration on the design and branding. Here in the studio we have had a wave of our contacts making reference to Google+ on Facebook and Twitter. The question is, can it take them on whist offering something new..?

To learn more about Google+ visit –  http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/

Their updated iPhone software has lots of new tweaks. OS5, which builds on previous versions will improve usability and speed and let the user do a lot more than before with its new streamlined features. Such as iMessage which is similar to Blackberry’s BBM. This improved OS will also allow app developers push further and create better user experiences. Very exciting for those with the an iPhone or an iPad. Check out all of the features here.

I have been using Macs for a while now and I keen to learn more about ‘Lion’. Apples latest incarnation of the ‘world’s most advanced desktop operating system’. Improvements in the software are ultimately about creating a better user experience, increasing speed, ultimately improving workflow. For those of you that have a mac, familiar mac software such as Mail, Calendar and Safari have all been improved. Probably one of the more notable improvements in Lion is the evolution of ‘gestures’ which take inspiration from the iPad. Working in ‘full-screen’ apps is also a new feature which is quite exciting! Click here to discover more about Mac OS X Lion.

For those with more than one Apple product, iCloud is a new product which will allow you to sync all of your apple devices and files to the ‘cloud’ and access data from either device, anywhere, with a connection. So, you can store anything from calendars, contacts, email, documents, music and a lot more, all in the ‘cloud’ and edit on any of your devices! Click here to find out more about iCloud.

There are thousands of people like you and me, raising money for charity and running the mammoth distance of 26 miles!!

I normally watch the televison coverage, but to actually go into the city and watch the thousands of people, unified and taking on the task in hand was pretty amazing.

I try – when I can to run regularly. I think its a great way to excercise and keep fit.

One of my friends, Bhavesh Mistry ran the marathon for a second time. It was great catching a glimpse of him a few miles from the end. Inspired to do the marathon… possibly.

I hope to check out the process once applications open for 2012.

Find out more: http://www.virginlondonmarathon.com/

Wednesday 24th November – I attended a lecture organised by the Design Council and the Public Management and Policy Association (PMPA).

The subject of the lecture was ‘Using good design to meet challenges facing public services.’

It was presented by Lord Michael Bichard of Nailsworth.

Lord Bichard opened lecture by commenting on Britains role as one of the world leaders in design and how other nations look to Britain as a source of inspiration.

He then went on to talk about several designers who were nominated for the Prince Philip Designers Prize 2010.

He talked briefly on the achievements of each of designers. Some of which you may have heard of: Neville Brody (graphics, typography, communications), Vivienne Westwood (fashion), Margaret Calvert (road signage) Zaha Hadid (architecture and urban design), Adrian Newey (F1 engineer/racing), Bill Moggridge (designer of the first ever laptop).

Lord Bichard said that ‘UK design is a success story’, an industry worth over 15 billion per year.

Even at this time of recession he claimed that ‘good design fuels success of business’ and its ‘central to economic prosperity’. The coming together of technology and  design will continue to work together.

The introduction of social media technologies, like facebook is having an impact on the way we communicate. As technologies continue to evolve, so to will the way in which this presented.

Its often seen that design, is about ‘products’, or the final outcome. However, its important to realise the ‘process’ which takes place.

There were a few points which Lord Bichard highlighted about new ways to provide and deliver public services:

• How? Design? – services at the moment may be seen to be ‘too complex’. There is a need to simply and create better functionality, as there maybe difficulty in understanding the message.
• The need to build design around the consumer, not necessarily around the client. There is a need to create simplicity and involve the consumer in the process.
• Innovate. Requirement to do things differently. Maybe we are being too reserved. There maybe a risk involved, but the outcome may prove to be more successful than the ‘safer’ option.
• ‘Search for design on the front line’. The solution could be more successful and fulfill the requirement if research is done first hand. Lord Bichard used the example of designing for the NHS. Preventing the spread of bugs such as MRSA has lead to new products being designed for hospitals, which are easier to clean and maintain, thus reducing the spread of disease.
• Important to teach and train on the importance of design and delivery from an early age.

I found the lecture very interesting and there were some great lessons to take away. Some of the points mentioned above show how design and its processes can impact public services and the world around it.

Thank you to the design council.

For more information visit
http://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-work/Support/Public-Services-by-Design/The-role-of-design-in-public-services-briefing/

It is not too often I get to spend time with a group of elderly people – many of which were over 80. I am fortunate to meet my grandmother who is over 250 miles away in Preston every so often!

The afternoon started around 1.30pm, with the volunteers meeting. We then began setting up the space and making sure there was adequate seating for everyone before they came for the afternoon. Trishna Shah, who organised the event did a great job of allocating positions for the volunteers. We set out a variety of cakes and chocolates for them to eat throughout the afternoon, set up the tables and some volunteers prepared some great flower displays, which the members of St. Wilfrids could later take back to their rooms. We enjoyed tea and coffee with the occasional biscuit!

From my observation the elderly rarely get the opportunity to interact much with the youth. It was nice to hear that family members do come to visit fairly regularly. I myself found it quite nice to be able to interact with this group of people. Their reactions were mixed at first. Some were very talkative from the start and some a little weary. As the afternoon went on they were all able to express and talk about some of the interesting things which they have done in the past.

Seeing the group who we hosted the tea party for leaving with smiles was well worth the effort!

Bharatnatyam is a popular classical Indian dance style which originated in the temples of the state of Tamil Nadu, in Southern India. The various dances are inspired from various Hindu stories. It is a classical dance style practiced both inside and outside of India. Bharatnatyam also featured in the opening ceremony of the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Shivaangee presented a wonderful showcase on what she has learnt over the last ten years with her Guruji, Sri Prakash Yadagudde. It is easy to see that the level of detail in make up, dress, style and performance is critical. Across the board the performace was outstanding to say the least! The event was very well attended and we were able to learn even more about the talented Shivaangee and this fantastic dance form.

Below are a couple of pictures from the event.

Thanks goes to Shivaangee and her family for a great event and promoting this fantastic dance form.

I spent a weekend with Rameshmama in January on my two month stay in India and even for the time after I had left, he would phone me every couple of days whilst I was still in Ahmedabad to check if I was ok. My parents and brothers were very fond of him.

I will look over the pictures now and remember the good times we had when we were over there. Quite a selfless man, who travelled far to attend to our needs in india.

As my mum puts it, ‘our trip to India wont be the same without Rameshmama’

Me and my mama outside the Gandhi museum in Dandi - January 2010

Aum Namah Shivaya

Anyway, recently I have been working with a team of others on the hindu experience event. This is an event which will be staged in North London and will bring the Hindu community together to promote Hindu culture, tradition and show how it is just as relevant today, as it was many years ago…

I have been working on a variety of promotional and marketing materials, as well as looking at social networking to get the word out there and inform.

We needed to work on a new promotional video for the event – The brief: to create something which was epic and attention grabbing. The result was pretty impressive! Janak Shah (video) and Amal Lad (music) collaborated to create a great video with an awesome soundtrack to inform and inspire.

Check out the website for more information: http://www.thehinduexperience.org

There are some television adverts that catch my attention. Thats the reason for having them! However, the latest John Lewis advertisement which was aired this Saturday evening caught my attention. The ad was very long at around 90 seconds. It shows the development through life of an individual. In this case a girl and shows the girl as a baby who gradually gets older, going through primary school education, to further education, celebrating birthdays, marriage, pregnancy and into working life and eventually in the role of a mother. This process is brought to life with some very clever editing.

John Lewis are notorious for the high standard of products they sell and the service they provide and props from the stores are used in the advert. At the end of the advert the message which is left is: ‘Our lifelong commitment to you’ which re-enforces that message of the service they are known for. The journey of the girl into a woman is flawless, probably how John Lewis are attempting to project themselves.

It’s an advert which cleverly plays on the emotions of the viewer. The soundtrack of the ad isn’t bad either… If you havent seen it, take 90 seconds out and enjoy!

Pretty Peacock
India is renowned for its range of wildlife and the peacock is one of the most recognisable birds in the world. This shot was taken at the Ahmedabad Ultimate tournament at the Shreyas Complex in Ahmedabad, during a regional Ultimate Frisbee tournament.

Competitive Spirit
‘Spirit of the game’ is a term used in Ultimate Frisbee. It describes the attitude which should be taken when playing a competitive game. Play with spirit. This photograph was taken during the Ahmedabad Ultimate Frisbee tournament at the Shreyas Complex in Ahmedabad. It shows one player looking for a pass to make to another team member, but his path is being blocked by the opposition.

Rani Ki Vav
Rani ki vav is a famous step well situated in Patan town in Gujarat in India. It’s just one of the pictures which i took. It is an amazing sight and the detail of the carving has to be seen to be believed. Highly recommended.

Ravivar Market
Ravivar or Sunday market is a busy, bustling market on the river front in Ahmedabad. That morning we crossed the Ellis Bridge to the other side to the Old City. This image was taken on the bridge, looking down to the riverfront where there was a buzzing atmosphere in the exchange of money and goods.

Celebrating with light
Celebration of weddings in India is massive in India. This image was captured on a trip to Deduki, a village one hour away from Chotila. We were invited to a wedding. The light was projected by someone taking a video of the event taking place at night. This background gives this an intense look and feel.

Performing prayer
This photograph was taken at the local Ram Mandir, temple in Deduki. The temple space was small, yet very traditional. It was nice to sit through the Aarti, prayer which was performed by the local priest.

Chai en-route
There is something about chai. The local chai wallah stands in India bring people together for conversation and catch up. This image of a chai was taken at a place where we stopped for naasta, snacks on the way to Chotila, Gujarat.

Clay cups
I think the detail captured in this shot is great and I love the composition. I was in the market in the Old City, when I asked to have a look at the cup.

Kite preparation
Utrayan is a festival in India which involves preparing kites to fly high in the skies of Ahmedabad and across India. The sun moves northward, which increases the amount of daylight hours. The festival falls on the 14th of January each year. This shot shows the preparing of holes and placing the string in the correct position on the kite. With years of practice my friend Sandeep flew the kites with great skill on this day.

Orange Oranges
The Ravivar, or Sunday markets are heaving with a range of products: from old and new to big and small… Before reaching the main shopping area we stopped to take some photos of the fresh fruit on display. As the name suggests, these were very is orange oranges, however I think that the arrangement of the oranges worked well.