UT IDeA

Sunday, July 31, 2005

Video games and game design.

Really easy to use 3D game software:
http://darkbasic.thegamecreators.com/
http://www.alice.org/
http://el.media.mit.edu/logo-foundation/index.html
(or try googling LogoWriter)

Other good sites to visit to stay up to date on industry news:
gamasutra.com
indiegames.com
gdconf.com
seriousgamessummit.com
cmpgame.com

Women Gamers site
Digital Media Art at Michigan State University
news article about girls and games
small intermedia company, New Media Tribe

Some er, different takes on videogames:
Virtual University
Buffy DC: a mix between a tv series and a video game
government game by Breakaway
BreakAway's site
Virtual Army
adult video games, as in 18+
corporate training

An online rating system hosted by Yahoo.

Here are some things I heard about entry level game design:
Game designers usually do not begin their careers in entry level game design positions. Most often, they come from within other departments such as art, writing, community management, QA, and programming. If a person is applying for an entry level game design position, it is good to show tech. writing, custom level design, and custom user interfaces.

Thursday, July 28, 2005

Job Title: Senior Design Analyst

Job Description:

Senior Design Analysts lead product research, strategy, information architecture development, and interaction design to create products that bring a smile to the lips and a flutter to the heart; regardless of whether it's a corporate Website, software application, or consumer electronics device. Senior Design Analysts are able to discover, understand, and communicate the business requirements of our clients, the emotional desires of their customers, and the context in which these two come together.

Responsibilities:
• Plan, prioritize, coordinate, and conduct user requirements analysis, task analysis, conceptual modeling, information architecture design, interaction design, and usability testing.
• Design and specify user interfaces and information architecture using participatory and iterative design techniques, including observational studies, customer interviews, usability testing, and other forms of requirements discovery.
• Produce user requirements specifications, personas, storyboards, scenarios, flowcharts, design prototypes, and design specifications.
• Effectively communicate research findings, conceptual ideas, detailed design, and design rationale both verbally and visually.
• Manage the design process, drive decisions, track issues, and assist in estimating resource needs and schedules.
• Work closely with development teams to ensure that design specifications are implemented.
• Participate as a contributor to an interdisciplinary team that includes other designers, project management, business and brand strategists, and hardware and software developers.


Requirements:
• At least five years of user interface design experience.
• Strong knowledge of user interface design processes and methodology, particularly as applied to Web-based applications and consumer electronics.
• Strong project and people management skills. Must be able to function as a project leader as well as an individual contributor.
• Proficiency with design and prototyping tools such as PhotoShop, Illustrator, Visio, and Dreamweaver.
• Knowledge of capabilities and limitations of Web technologies such as HTML, JavaScript, Flash, and CSS.
• Excellent communication and organization skills.
• Masters degree in Human-Computer Interaction strongly preferred; or a related design or behavioral science discipline.
• A passion for creating products that resonate emotionally with people.

Please post

Megan Greig, PHR
Human Resources Generalist – TX/NY

frog design, inc.
1327 Chesapeake Terrace
Sunnyvale, CA 94089

Tel. (1) 408 734 5800
Fax (1) 408 752 1180
Dir. (1) 408 990 5271
Megan.greig@frogdesign.com
http://www.frogdesign.com

CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY INFORMATION NOTICE:
The information contained in and/or attached to this e-mail is Confidential and Proprietary Information of frog design Inc. and its operating companies and subsidiaries. This information is intended only for the confidential use of the person(s) designated above. If this message has reached a person or persons not designated above, you are hereby notified that you have received this document in error and that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you are not a designated recipient, please notify frog design Inc. immediately by reply e-mail and delete the original message together with any and all attachments.

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

Links to article, lecture, job posting, cool site.

Here is an article from Microsoft PressPass - Information for Journalists
Casual Gaming Gets Serious: Microsoft is well positioned to benefit from the growth of casual gaming.
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2005/jul05/07-19CasualGaming.mspx
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August 3rd is another ACC First Wednesday Video Game Development Seminar. Will
Leverett, of NCSoft will be speaking about "Player Relations".
http://www.austincc.edu/techcert/Video_Games.html
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Game programmer job:

> From: brett butler
> Date: July 17, 2005 7:06:05 PM CDT
> To: Austin@webmopac.com
> Subject: [WebMopac] Experienced 3D Windows Game Programmers  
> (hiring    immediately)
> Reply-To: Austin@webmopac.com
>
>
> Hi all,
>
> I'm immediately interviewing and hiring for several
> experienced 3D windows game programmers.  This is
> full-time work here in Austin at my company.  If you
> know anyone that might be a fit, please send them my
> contact information.  Send resumes to
> brettbutler@rocketmail.com with Subject: 3D Game
> Programmer
>
>
> Thanks much,
> Brett Butler
> brettbutler@rocketmail.com
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Also, Kathy Batemen's website:
http://www.kathybateman.com
Her site has alot of links to game developer's sites some of which are dead. Oh well. It has organization by location, very handy.

What else... I like this site. Talented artists, an inspiring network.
http://www.conceptart.org

I've also been cruising this great networking resource lately.
http://www.linkedin.com

Sunday, July 17, 2005

Microscopic images. Some high res. Maybe inspirational?
http://remf.dartmouth.edu/images/

Friday, July 15, 2005

Learn more about networking.
http://designforum.aiga.org/content.cfm?ContentAlias=%5Fgetfullarticle&aid=1123239

One of the AIGA members is asking if anyone wants to start a team for this. Let me know if anyone in interested.
http://www.knowbility.org/air-austin/

Free Graphic Design magazine subscription
http://www.gdusa.com/subscription.php

Craftshow/film shoot next week.Check out the e-vite if you want to be crafty:
http://www.evite.com/lisamaxwell@austin.rr.com/diyshoot

UT IDeA poll to find out what members have done and are interested in doing. I fyou would like to be a UT IDeA member please e-mail ut_idea-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ut_idea/surveys?id=12081617

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Knot theory, and mazes. Very interesting, as you probably already know.
http://www.math.com/students/wonders.html

John Conway makes games for "clever people".
http://www.cs.uidaho.edu/%7Ecasey931/conway/games.html

Nice, high resolution digital photography
http://www.burtonnetworks.com/downloads/photos/

AIGA discussion on speculative work.
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Subject: Logo Competitions are Spec Work

In my tenure on the board of AIGA Austin, I have experienced many incidents where we have been contacted to participate in what is essentially spec work. Regardless of its guise, whether "competition" or a "request" from your client, it's unethical and entirely antithetical to our mission and profession.

Below are more excerpts from a conversation among the leadership group regarding the same topic. And for more on AIGA's stance on spec work, you can start with this link:

http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm?Alias=designbusinessandethics

Diana Guentzel
President, Austin Chapter
AIGA | American Institute of Graphic Arts

------------------------------------------------------------
on 7/12/05 3:48 PM, Christopher Simmons wrote:
I found a old email to a potential client, addressing the issue of speculative work. It doesn't specifically address competitions, but I thought I'd share it. It's very basic, and benefits by being judgement-neutral. We ended up getting the job:

There are a couple of reasons why we make it a policy not to engage in speculative work: One is that design is a process - one that involves time, creative energy, and dialogue with the client. To work up a direction without going through that process is to create something that is undeveloped and that doesn't reflect your input and participation. As such it is not truly representative of the value or level of service we provide.

The other reason is that speculative or uncompensated work is ultimately damaging to our profession. Let's say you've narrowed your choices down to a short list of three, and that each firm works up direction in hopes of capturing the job. That means that for everyone one designer who is paid for their work, two are not. In the long run, this is not sustainable practice.

The analogy I usually draw for people is that of going to a restaurant and ordering three dishes, but only paying for the one you like best.

I know how difficult a decision it is to select a designer. In large part it's a matter of trust. I hope that you will continue to consider us, and that the quality of our work, our long-standing reputation for excellence, our commitment to service, and the comfort of our rapport will be factors in your decision.

If there is anything else I can do to aid your decision or be of service, please let me know.

Very best regards,
Christopher
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On 7/13/05 8:21 AM, "Ric Grefe" wrote:

Sorry not to have weighed in earlier. I was actually in one of the few places where it is virtually impossible to get email. I am definitely in favor of demonstrating the moral suasion of a national response to issues that come up like this and we have been very active in responding to issues that come up from any source or any member. We
will post one of our standard letters in the workroom when I get back to the office. When we send a letter, it brings a certain authority to the issue in your defense, yet the most cynical of miscreants would ignore our letter unless we were also a client of theirs. So reinforcing the outrage at the local level is always important. It demonstrates that this is not just an issue of
principle, but also a business issue. Our shared objective should be for the response to become so second nature that no matter where a person turns, designers will say the same thing about this practice. We all know that there will be some designers who are willing to defend the practice as a way for them to gain recognition; for this reason, we need to make sure we do not act simply righteous, but persuasive that this practice compromises the value that a designer can create for a client by truncating the process of designing as a collaborate effort between designer and client.

R
------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 2
Date: Wed, 13 Jul 2005 09:38:35 -0500
From: Diana Guentzel
Subject: FW: Response to spec work

More from our national president, Bill Grant:

Forwarded Message
From: bill grant
Date: Wed, 13 Jul 2005 10:34:50 -0400
To: Ric Grefe
Cc: AIGA Natl Leadership List
Subject: Re: [aiga-leadership] Response to spec work

Ric,

Thanks for the response. I am also sorry that I have not commented before now, but I have been on the road as well. We do have some standard letters on the issue, and I believe Ric is posting one later this week. I agree with Ric that a national response from the chapter and local level is most effective in this case. Just so everyone is clear on this issue, we can be against spec work as long as it is stated in terms of being bad for the client because it trivializes the opportunity for designers to work with clients in a strategic manner to solve complex problems. However, we can no longer state that it is a professional standard or ethical practice that is forbidden by AIGA as this represents restraint of trade and price fixing ­ even fixing the price at more than nothing! (I just double checked this fact with Ric.) I really love the spirit and passion of this dialog, and I think a national response in tandem with local outcry is the way to proceed. So, let's show them how second nature this issue is for 18,000 designers! Go forth and prosper!

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Jobs available. Please contact utidea@yahoo.com if you're interested in the Fine Arts Instructor position..

TITLE: Fine Arts Instructor

STUDENT AGES: 18 months - 4 yrs old - Morning Class - & 5+ - After school class -

JOB DESCRIPTION: Prepare, Organize and Teach classes. Part time position with flexible hours.

COMPANY DESCRIPTION: You'll be working for Youn People Workshops - YPW-. YPW
it's a brand new business to be open in the Westlake Hills area. We're going to offer very hands on an educational workshops to children. Workshops such as; art, music, science, spanish, technology, math, etc. We also are going to be selling educational toys.

PAY: $25 / hour First session
$30 / hour Second session
$35 / hour Afterwards

Session = 9 to 12 classes

Includes: Class preparation, organization and teaching class.

START DATE: Teaching class - @mid september
Curriculum Preparation: As soon as possible.

CURRICULUM PREPARATION: I'll need your help doing this. We'll discuss the details and pay schedule once we meet.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
PERSISTENCE OF VISION (PoV), the online and print Journal of the Austin Film Society, is looking for volunteer reporters and writers for upcoming projects.
 
Applicants should be strong writers, dependable, and have an interest in the Austin film community. If interested, please respond with a resume and short writing sample (1-2 pages) to christian@austinfilm.org.  Thank you.  PLEASE NO CALLS.

 Feel free to visit P.o.V. online at http://www.austinfilm.org/pov.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advertising Sales Representatives Needed

Handbook magazine, a start-up women's magazine for single, independent Austin women, seeks advertising sales representatives to sell ads in Austin and surrounding communities. Experience is not necessary, however some work history in sales is preferred. Knowledge and/or interest in the magazine industry also a plus. Duties include making sales calls by phone and/or in person. Commission only. Send resume or questions to Sandie Taylor at sandie.taylor@gmail.com .

Handbook provides practical, down-to-earth advice for career-advancing, hands-on, and socially adept women. Visit us at
www.handbookmag.com.

Monday, July 11, 2005

Free classes for UT employees

Cross cultural UT classes

Thursday, July 07, 2005

List of design books, oh boy!!!

Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals by Katie Salen and Eric Zimmerman
 
Design Research by Brenda Laurel
 
The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell
 
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience
 
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards

Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud 

Envisioning Information by Edward Tufte
 
Lateral Thinking by Edward DeBono
 
The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell

Some things of interest. Browse away you interdisciplinary-person-interested-in-design, you.


LECTURES/DISCUSSIONS

July 6
ACC Game develvopment first wednesday lectures

JULY 13
Austin Game Developers meeting

AUGUST 17
2nd annual ACC game dev. open house
ACC's highland business center
(map)
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CALL FOR ENTRY

DUE Monday July 11th, @ 5:00pm
Artists and performer commisions for Austin New Years
Learn more
Be an artist
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COURSES

www.austincc.edu/techcert>ACC game development tech certification Fall semester courses

Cross-disciplinary UT courses
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CONFERENCES

Anyone in Seattle July 19-20?
Casual Games Conference
(register)

Anyone in San Francisco July 28?
Advertising in Games Conference

Womens Game Conference, Austin

Austin Game Conference
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LINKS/ARTICLES

coded graphics

campaign for awareness about African poverty
NY Times on awareness about African poverty

Interested in land use interpretation?
The Center for Land Use Interpretation
Southern California landscape
Newsletter
UT landarts program

Adobe Design Achievement Awards finalists
Adobe total training
ACE certification, FREE fro UT students!!
Login and password for the PBD website:
USER NAME: adobe@pbd.org
PASSWORD: pbd300

Vienna er, non-signage installation
Typographica Journal
Pics 01
Pics 02
Pics 03

The man behind the Fed-Ex logo


See the state in summer
Georgetown
Pedernales Falls
Krauss Springs
Padre Island Seashore

Some Austin outdoor art

Congress going after funding for arts and educational programming

Business Week/IDSA Product design "best of 2005"

Business Week articles, could be interesting to design folks
GE innovation
TV/Air control
Global business, Asia
Anime, Female portrayal
Nexon's digital doodads in online car racing
Johnson & Johnsons dependancy on Medical device making
Musician/biotechnician? He has interdisciplinary all figured out.
Oh, entrpreneurship.

More links to explore...

UT COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS WEBSITE
Oh how exciting!! UT Design is the feature right now!!! That's Maura... :D BFA Design may be the one major that could have something to do with every single major at UT. And so there is... UT IDeA.
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COURSES
Helpful courses if you're interested in technology, computing, and um, being cool. Ya'...

Computing Classes at UT

Web Publishing at UT: Learning to Publish
 
Non-CS Major Courses : Elements of Computing Program
 
Technology Resources for Students
 
Texas Union Informal Classes

SOLIDWORKS SEMINARS
Free seminars. Some can be interesting. Worth browsing to every once in a while to check seminar topics.

ACC VIDEOGAME TECH CERTIFICATION
This kind of training wasn't always available in Austin. So if you think you might be interested, take advantage of it.

ACC FREE FRIST WEDNESDAY VIDEO GAME SEMINARS
I have attended these and they are really interesting. HIGHLY recommend them.
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LINKS TO ORGANIZATIONS
Probably good to browse to these often, make sure you don't miss out on any good contests, news or events.

ED2010 AUSTIN
UT interdisciplinary group that connects writers, photographers, and designers. This is the Ut branch of a national org. You can make some great connections through these people if you are interested in any of the ablove, and they put alot of time into planning some great lectures and events.

CORE 77
If you are a design student you need to know this site. Great for browsing and inspiration, design news. Bookmark this one.

MESSAGE BOARD USED BY "SMARTIES" (says Benson)

COROFLOT
Design connection database. Also good for checking out resume's of industry professionals (compare as you dare), finding out about grad. school, viewing student work (compare, more, as you dare). Great place for students.

IDSA TEXAS
I will keep this blog posted with IDSA events that we have going on in Austin. But here are some nice links to check out, get to know the Austin design culture. 2006 IDSA national conference will be held in Austin. Get involved with the planning, it's very worthwhile.

AUSTIN AIGA EVENTS
Can't say enough about how important it is for students to get involved with the AIGA. Endless amounts of opportunity for interdisciplinary activities.
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UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS GALLERY SPACE

Both Graduate and Undergraduate students are able to use the Flood Gallery space for a one week period while classes are in session. All mediums are prestented as well as encouraged. The Flood Gallery is located on the fourth floor of the Art Building. Artwork may be viewed any time the Art Building is open. Any student intersted in showing their work should contact Richard Jordan or Bradley Petersen, faculty coordinators for the Flood Gallery.

Both Graduate and Undergraduate students are able to use the New Gallery space for a one week period while classes are in session. All mediums are presented as well as encouraged. The exhibits frequently have receptions presented by the artist(s). The New Gallery is adjacent to the cafeteria on the first floor of the Doty Fine Arts Building. Normal hours are 9a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Any student interested in showing their work should contact Mel Ziegler, faculty coordinator for the New Gallery.

Virtual Gallery
College of Fine Arts (COFA) Galleries
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There are more links out there, and believe me, when I find the time to post them... They'll be in here too. Oh yes... Don't doubt me.