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China Consumer Behavior Economics Innovation Software Trend Watching

Intellectual Property: Shanzhai Phones’ Declining Popularity in China

The word shanzhai has several meanings. Originally it meant a fortified mountain village, but these days it mainly refers to small, illegal factories that churn out copies of famous-brand mobile phones. In the era of relatively simple 2G phones, the industry was huge, but now everyone wants a fancy 3G smartphone, and they’re a bit too hard to fake, leaving an uncertain future for this hidden industry […]

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China Design Readings Trend Watching

Design in China: 2012 China International Design Competition

This competition aims to promote communication, exchange and interaction between China and the world by bring together designers to create creative, innovative designs based around the theme of the Chinese dragon. In a quickly developing and changing world, China is excited to promote design by designers and artists from multicultural backgrounds and diverse understandings promoting the concept of “harmony and uniqueness” […]

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Inspiration

For Inspiration: “Te Devoro” by Djavan

Te devoro, by Djavan

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Design Innovation Software

Watch Aaron Koblin’s “Crowds and Clouds: Data, Sheep, and Collaboration” talk at MIT’s Office of the Arts

Where others see just data points and fodder for bar graphs, Aaron Koblin visualizes dynamic systems where information assumes forms both abstract and familiar. In this talk, Koblin shares recent projects that meld statistical science and art to convey a really big picture, while often inviting the viewer to partake in a more personal experience […]

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Design Economics Innovation Trend Watching

Watch Autodesk’s “Introduction to Design for Lifetime” video

As part of their Sustainability Workshop series, Autodesk’s Introduction to Design for Lifetime video clearly and visually explains the factors we need to consider when introducing new products. It recognizes that some products should be made to last a long time, others should live shorter lives, and that there’s a grey area of products in between that are not so easy to classify; but the one thing they all need to share is a good “end-of-life” strategy […]

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Inspiration

For Inspiration: “Melô da Musas” by Mundo Livre S/A

Melô das Musas, by Mundo Livre S/A

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Design Innovation

Watch Craig Mundie’s “How to Fuel Innovation” talk to the Wall Street Journal

Check where Microsoft bets its chips when it comes to investing in research according to Microsoft research chief Craig Mundie […]

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Consumer Behavior Information Technology Software Trend Watching

Information Technology in Brazil: PC sales sets record and Brazil moves up to 3rd place in the world ranking, says IDC

Brazil shipped 3.8 million PCs between April and June of 2011, behind only China and the United States […]

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Design Information Technology Innovation Software

Autodesk Releases 3D Sculpting App For The iPad

Autodesk, Inc. announced its Autodesk 123D Sculpt app, a 3D sculpting and painting app for iPad, is now available on the App Store. The app lets users turn shapes, colors and textures into personalized pieces of 3D art […]

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Inspiration

For Inspiration: “Eu Já Notei” by Paula Lima

Paula Lima sings “Eu Já Notei” live at Radiola/Trama Music