Like everything in our industry, each of these things are also known by twenty other different terms. Perceptive Media is essentially the spawn of Mark Weiser‘s ‘calm technology’ and ‘ubiquitous computing’.

It’s sort of like the way a UX Designer could also be an Interactive Designer/Interface Designer/Interaction Designer/User Specialist/Information Architect/Wookiee/Space Ranger.

Today was particularly interesting because of the talk by Giff Gaff founder Gav Thompson. He may have hurt his arm skiing but that didn’t stop his session being the best of the day. Talking about Giff Gaff’s inception as a scribble during a boring conference, he went on to explain exactly how social business shouldn’t just include users to participate, users should BE the business.

Read more about Giff Gaff here.

Quote of the day: “If your social strategy would fall part if Facebook disappeared tomorrow, you don’t have a social strategy.”

Here is a pass at re-designing the main character, Alex Jegede (who has had about a hundred different character sketches). This is a simple sketch and flat colour job. I’ll be working on textures, shadows, lights etc. and the other characters later.

It’s been about a year since I joined Pinterest and I’m amazed at how well the site is doing now, everyone is talking about it. Anyone who isn’t on there, give me a shout and I’ll send you an invite. It’s worth it.

LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4

The iPad version of the LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 game is just as amazing as its counterpart.

Playing through the first four years of Harry’s adventures, you not only get a quirky retelling of the books but rich gameplay.

And, with over ten hours gameplay, it is an app really worth buying.

Broken Sword: Director’s Cut

Back in the day, I really enjoyed playing this on my PC but the iPad version? I LOVE it.

The same humour, puzzles, wonderful animation and voice work carries through here but the tactile approach of the iPad somehow makes the the game all the more engaging. Also, with the inclusion of a few ipad specific puzzles, it is a great game made even better.

Mirror’s Edge

I own this game on Xbox but this version trumps that one, in my mind. The very way in which you interact is so much more immersive an engaging, like second nature.

Great translation.

Angry Birds

A simple concept and intuitive interaction make this addictive game so popular.

With the Rio and Halloween versions now out it’s going from strength to strength but I’m still partial to the original. And I’m still trying to get all those stars!

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit

Driving games were simply MADE to be on a device like the iPad. Not only is steering with the iPad tremendous fun but it is also brilliantly immersive.

And Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit? It’s the best driving game out there.

Plunderland

Plunderland is the perfect example of a game that was made for its interface. The designers of this game knew touch devices because this game is a tablet’s dream. From tilting the device to using your fingers to pull ropes, this game is a joy to play. And who doesn’t want to be a pirate?

Sketchbook Pro

The thing that attracted me most to the iPad was using it as a graphic tablet and with this app and an ipad stylus, you can have your own digital sketchpad at a fraction of the cost. This app not only provides basics like a wide colour palette and unlimited layers but the brush library is huge and the interaction incredibly intuitive. From doodles to masterpieces, you can do it all with this app. Worth the price.

Right, now to actually draw the characters that I’m supposed to!

Visit the Yahoo! Essentials of Photography site here!

You can also find this infographic on our visual.ly page.

P.S. YAY!

So, imagine my glee when I saw the auto-lace shoes had finally been made. They look exactly the same! They light up! They… don’t actually auto-lace but hey, they look like the real deal. Unfortunately, due to the fact I am not a millionnaire, I probably won’t be able to get my hands on these babies. I’ll just have to make my own. Out of cardboard. I’m sure they’ll look the same.