Typolis has come closest to the kind of blog services I would like to use in terms of layout but unfortunately it lacks a good admin panel as well as the right touchpoints to make blogging simple.

Hence, I have moved to 'Shareaware'. Kindly continue to follow my thoughts there.

I am hoping that Vox lives up to my expectations.

Thanks to this list of web services from makeuseof.com.

If you’re a long time makeuseof reader, at one point or another you may have seen several of these websites before. We have covered lots of lists and round-ups but this one is quite different: it lists undiscovered webservices that are original, rather unique, unusual, useful, free, and must-be bookmarked type. You won’t find any collaboration, storage or ToDo service here.

Enjoy!

1. Bugmenot - instantly get disposable login details for any popular website that forces you to register.

2. DailyLit - read your favorite books by email (on your PC, mobile, etc.).

3. FranceRadio - neat MP3 Search Engine that lets you Find, Play and Download favorite MP3s for FREE.

4. Google SMS - provides mobile users with a quick access (via SMS) to a wide range of practical information and tools (i.e. business listings (pizzerias, shops, etc.), weather, movie listings, driving directions, currency converter and lots more.

5. Podlinez - listen to your favorite podcasts from any phone. Just enter the RSS feed URL for the desired podcast and get a free-toll number to access it from a phone.

6. RetailMeNot - locate fresh discount coupons for thousands of web merchants and services right from your browser toolbar. Video demo.

7. SoLow - on a daily basis SoLow auctions 4 different items (iPhones, HD Screens, etc.). Anyone with a mobile/PC can participate in the auctions by placing their bids via text-messaging. The user with the lowest unique bid wins the auction.

8. TeleFlip - auto-forward your emails to your cellphone as text messages. Video demo.

9. UrbanDictionary - hilarious (and practical) 100% user-maintained dictionary where users provide and vote on definitions for urban words (slangs).

10. Yak4Ever - make free international calls from US, UK and Ireland to 50+ countries.

=== Mobile - related ===

11. Bitbom - schedule free text message reminders to your phone. Schedule online or using mobile. (Similar PingMe.)

12. Flurry - follow up on your emails (send, receive) and receive latest articles from favorite blogs/websites on your mobile.

13. Foonz - place group calls and send messages to multiple people for free (from your mobile or any other phone).

14. GameJump - lots of free games for mobile phones.15. GrandCentral - single phone number for all your phones and a web-based centralized voicemail system. (Similar: YouMail, GotVoice)

16. IQzone - post your classified ad to a number of online and print classified networks directly from your mobile.

17. Jott - simple and convenient service for leaving yourself notes and ToDo reminders using your mobile.

18. Mosio - text any question from your mobile phone and shortly receive up-to 4 answers.

19. mShopper - instantly check up on the bargain deals for any product (or even order) right from your mobile phone. Video demo.

20. NoPhoneTrees - simple phone directory that lists direct human access numbers to support employees in hundreds of companies.

21. Nutsie - takes a copy of your iTunes library file and creates an online copy of your library. Access this library from PC or mobile phone.

22. Google SendToPhone - forward anything you find on the web (maps, address, text, etc.) to any mobile phone for free (US only).

23. Qipit - take quick document pictures and turn them into properly formatted PDFs. Save online, email, or fax documents right from mobile.

24. Soonr - handy application that lets you access your PC remotely using your mobile or any other PC (work, school, etc.). Video demo.

25. TelePixie - quickly schedule and receive daily (or one time) wake up phone calls, reminders, weather forecast calls, jokes, and more.

26. TellMe - free local directory service for business listings (Car Repair Shops, Pizzerias, Restaurants, etc.), maps, and directions.

27. PhoneZoo - convert your MP3s to custom-length ringtones and forward them to your phone. Plus 1000s of free ringtones from other users.

=== Other ===

28. BossBitching - fun and active community where people can bit*h about their bosses anonymously.

29. eSnailer - send free postal mail letters (to anywhere in the US) right from the desktop. From Canada? Check out EasyPost.

30. Yapta - get a refund (or credit) from the airlines on a purchased ticket in case its price drops.

31. ListenToaMovie - lets you ‘listen to a movie’, i.e. stream the audio part of various movies and some TV-shows.

32. OpenDNS - provides a safer, faster, smarter and more reliable way to navigate the Internet. More details + video demo.

33. PodioBooks - search, subscribe and browse through a variety of totally free audio books (100% legal).

34. PriceProtectr - tracks the price of items you bought online and notifies in case of price-drops, so you can request a refund.

35. RateMyDrawings - excellent place to draw, share your drawing creations, learn to draw, and watch other people drawing. Video demo

36. SwitchPlanet - cool and active marketplace where you can switch (or trade) used DVDs, CDs, Video Games and Books. Video demos.

37. Scribd- search, browse, rate, share various types of documents (jokes, facts, stories etc.). It’s like Youtube for text documents.

38. ViaTalk - make up-to 10 minutes long free phone calls to anywhere in the US and Canada. You don’t even need to sign-up.

39. VideoSift - popular Digg-like voting community for user-submitted videos.

40. Wordie - make lists of words (words you love, words you hate, or whatever) and share them with others.

40 Unusual Websites you should Bookmark. » Cool Websites, Software and Internet Tips

Here is an interesting article I found at Boxes and Arrows and I totally agree with it. Quick & dirty prototyping is always a good idea to give the client an idea of what you have visualized or conceptualized so well in your head. Although we as designers might have the perfect picture of the website and the interactivity, we cannot expect the client to imagine the same by merely looking at a few screenshots.

Read on and demonstrate the power your designof the PDF !!!

Creating a clickable PDF to prototype a new design is not a new concept, but it is a valuable tool that is often overlooked and underutilized. While working over the years with other designers, information architects and usability professionals, I’ve noticed that many of my colleagues believe the same fallacies about the limitations of PDFs. Contrary to popular belief, you can do more than just create links and interactive forms with PDFs; you can also add dynamic elements such as rollovers and drop-down menus, embed audio and video files, validate form data, perform calculations and respond to user actions. PDF prototypes have the ability to replicate most interactive design elements without investing a lot of time and effort.

Debunking common misconceptions about PDFs

Misconception #1: Dynamic elements can NOT be created in a PDF.

Image rollovers and similar dynamic effects can be created in a PDF without even writing a line of code. Although they may not be typically found in a PDF, fore- and background color changes, tooltips, pop-up boxes and other common DHTML scripts can be easily simulated in a PDF. (See an example of a PDF prototype for an eCommerce website.)

Misconception #2: PDFs are only good for prototyping page-based applications.

Many people believe that a PDF can not be used to prototype screen-based applications, but this is simply not true. You can easily mimic certain Ajax-like functionality by updating only parts of the PDF instead of an entire page. PDFs also have the ability to hide or show certain form fields and layers based on a user’s actions. (See an example of a PDF prototype for an eCommerce checkout form.)

Note: PDF layers are only supported if the original document was made with InDesign, AutoCAD, or Visio, with the compatibility set to Acrobat 6 (PDF 1.5), and with “Create Acrobat Layers” selected in the export PDF dialog box. The example above is not using layers; only hidden form fields.

Misconception #3: PDFs can NOT include multimedia.

Audio and video files (including Flash movies) can be directly embedded into your PDFs for enhanced interactivity. Furthermore, you can select to have these files play automatically in response to specified triggers (such as when the user clicks on the “Product Demo” button). With a little creativity, you can mimic just about any interaction with an interface by taking advantage of this excellent feature. Integrating video clips into PDF usability reports is also an excellent way to report your findings. (See an example of a PDF usability report with integrated video.)

Note: This example PDF prototype requires version 6.0 or later of Acrobat or Adobe Reader to view the media files. Please get the latest version of Acrobat Reader. When you add a movie or sound clip to a PDF document, you choose whether the clip is available in Acrobat 6.0 or later, or in Acrobat 5.0 or earlier. If you select Acrobat 6, the movie clips can be embedded in the actual PDF document.

Remote User Testing with PDF Prototypes

One of the best benefits of a PDF prototype is that it can be tested remotely. Paper prototyping is such a wonderful method, but one of its biggest drawbacks is that you can’t test the prototypes remotely. By using clickable PDFs, we bring our paper prototypes to life and still make it possible to test remotely with users, early in the development cycle. For websites or computer applications, this can be a huge advantage since the user doesn’t have to stretch their imagination by playing with paper; they get to interact with the prototype on a computer by using an Internet browser, the same way they would with the real end product.

All of the benefits of paper prototyping and remote testing is combined when using PDF prototypes. You’re able to collect invaluable feedback from users, in their natural environment, no matter where they are geographically located, without investing a huge amount of time or money in coding or designing your product.

When to Consider Using a PDF Prototype

Using a PDF prototype is a great option when you want to gather quick feedback on a design, early in the development cycle. It’s an optimal prototyping medium if you have minimal coding, Flash or graphic design skills. It’s important to remember that, just like with paper prototyping, a PDF prototype is meant to be low-fidelity. If you want to achieve a much more detailed and functional prototype, than I would highly suggest creating a CSS, DHTML or otherwise coded prototype.

Creating a PDF Prototype

Creating an interactive PDF couldn’t be easier. You will need to install Adobe Acrobat to convert your existing documents into PDFs. If you want to create interactive forms you would need Adobe Acrobat Professional.

There are multiple ways that you can create a PDF. You can start by working from your preferred wireframing program. Once you open up your wireframe file, simply choose to print your document and select the Adobe PDF printer. Once your document is converted, you can begin adding your desired level of interactivity into your PDF prototype using Adobe’s advanced editing tools (choose Tools > Advanced Editing).


Advanced editing toolbar.

If you prefer the ease and quickness of hand drawing paper prototypes, you can easily scan your drawings and convert them into interactive PDFs as well. (See example of a hand drawn PDF prototype.)

Creating Links

Creating a link to another page in your PDF prototype is very easy. Follow the steps below to learn just one of the many ways that this can be done. Links can also be set to open up a file or go to a web page.

1. Choose Tools > Advanced Editing > Link Tool, or select the Link tool ( ) on the Advanced Editing toolbar.
2. Drag around the area you want to have a link to create a rectangle. This is the area in which the link is active.
3. In the Create Link dialog box, choose the settings you want for the link appearance.
4. To set the link action to link to another page, select Go To A Page View, click Next, set the page number and view magnification you want in the current document or in another document, and then click Set Link.
   

Creating Image Rollovers

To create a rollover, you will need to have the image(s) you will be using already created and ready to insert into your PDF. Acrobat’s ability to hide or show form elements and the fact that buttons can have alternate appearances, determined by mouse behavior, makes it possible for us to create a rollover. The following steps will guide you through making a button, changing its appearance (essentially turning your button into your imported image file), and adding button actions based on mouse actions.

1. Using the Button tool ( ), drag across the area where you want the rollover to appear. You have now created a button.
2. While the Button tool is still selected, double-click the button you just created to open the button dialog box.
3. In the button dialog box, click the Appearance tab. If needed, deselect Border Color and Fill Color.
4. Next, click the Options tab and choose Icon Only from the Layout menu.
5. Choose Push from the Behavior menu, and then choose Rollover from the State list.
6. Click Choose Icon, and then click Browse. Navigate to the location of the image file you want to use and then click OK to accept the previewed image as a button.
7. Select the Hand tool and move the pointer across the button. The image field you defined appears as the pointer rolls over the button.
   

Adding Movie Clips

Follow the steps below to add a movie clip to your PDF prototype. You will need to have the video(s) you will be adding already created and ready to insert into your PDF. Buttons can also be created in your PDF to control playing, stopping and pausing the video clip.

1. Choose Tools > Advanced Editing > Movie Tool, or select the Movie tool ( ) from the Advanced Editing toolbar.
2. Drag or double-click to select the area on the page where you want the movie to appear. The Add Movie dialog box appears.
3. Within the dialog box, select Acrobat 6 Compatible Media to embed your movie clip directly into the PDF Prototype.
4. To specify the movie clip, type the path or URL address in the Location box, or click Browse (Windows) or Choose (Mac OS) and double-click the movie file.
5. Click OK, and then double-click the movie clip with the Hand tool ( ) to play the movie.
   

Adding Forms

A PDF form contains interactive form fields that the user can fill in using their computer. A PDF form can collect data from a user and then send that data using email or the web. After the user fills out the form, you can choose to have them print, email or submit their data online to a database.

In order to create interactive forms you will need Adobe Acrobat Professional. The steps below will discuss adding form fields to an already existing document. You can also create a new form by using Adobe Designer. Designer is an application that comes with Adobe Acrobat professional. Designer lets you lay out a form from scratch (static parts in addition to interactive and dynamic form elements) or use a form template.

Forms toolbar.

1. Choose Tools > Advanced Editing > Show Forms Toolbar.
2. On the Forms toolbar, select the form field type that you want to add to your PDF.
3. Drag the cross-hair pointer to create a form field of the required size and the Properties dialog box for that form field will appear.
4. In the dialog box, set the form field’s property options, and then click Close.

You’ll notice a lot of different options in the Properties dialog box depending on which form element you are creating. Form elements can be marked as required to perform client-side error checking in your PDF form. Text fields can be checked for spelling and you can also specify the format of the data entered (such as number, percentage, date, time, etc).

Giving PDFs a Try

The ability to add dynamic elements and multimedia to a PDF makes it a great tool for rapid, low-fidelity prototyping. For me, one of the best perks of using a PDF prototype is that it’s quick and easy to make changes, which is especially useful when I want to tweak a design between rounds of user testing.

A PDF is NOT the perfect prototyping medium for all projects, but I hope that knowing the possibilities of what you can do with a PDF provides you with another tool for your prototyping toolbox

technorati tags:pdf, prototyping, design, clients

Here are a few Nokia Videos  that were shown at the Nokia Design press conference announcing the setting up of the first international satellite studio here in Bangalore a few days ago.

The videos are not showing prototypes of actual devices of the future but explore future lifestyle concepts and possibilities. They are designed to inspire and stimulate discussion around how the mobile device of the future mightlook and function in our lives. (These videos are also available on YouTube).

Here is a short description of all the videos (from Putting People First blog)

Nokia - Achieve: Achieving Together (1:50)
Members of an architectural firm work feverishly together to win acompetitive new project. Virtual teamwork is made effortless throughsmart wireless conferencing and remote presentations. Bluetooth audioensures strong and clear communication. When mobile technology ascendsto this level, we will achieve great things together.

Nokia - Connect: Connecting Simply (1:41)
We visit a grandmother who is virtually surrounded by her family as sheprepares the evening meal. Simple interfaces scale up to wall mountedtouch screens for ease of use. A spoken phrase is quickly translatedinto a large, readable text message to send. To connect simply is tohonor what we value most as humans: staying close to those that matter.

Nokia - Live: Inspiring Senses (1:45)
What do our devices say about us? We seek new forms of personalizationwhich are fluid and spontaneous, such as using captured images totransform our devices instantly. We exchange electronic business cardswith the ease of passing a note. Reinventing personalization willinspire new ways to tell the stories which are uniquely our own.

Nokia - Explore: Sharing Discoveries (1:36)
People connect through their passions. An obsession with astronomy hasled one man to scale a tall building, rapidly capturing and sortingimages along the way. He is alone - and not alone. He is sharing hisdiscoveries with a vast community of kindred observers from all overthe world. Explore extends the reach of minds inclined to wander.

technorati tags:future, nokia, video

Finally, Desolve Strategic Design has finally got an address !!!

After working from home in an informal setup for the past 7 months approximately, I finally got myself to formalizing a home-office-lounge space within the house.

It took me a long time to decide but It's so important to seperate workspace with leisure space ! I have found myself struggling in the past months to get down to seriously working only because the environment does not support rigourous working !

It used to be my bedroom 3 years ago before i left to Milan for my Masters). However soon after coming back I left to London for an internship and that was when it was rented out to a close family friend. It was only recently that this family friend moved out and I jumped at the idea of making this my study/office-lounge.

The essential ingredients for my workspace:

+ Blank Wall
+ Work Table and chair
+ Lots of post-its :)
+ Blank sheets of paper to scribble on!
+ White Board
+ Couch/comfy seating

If I have all these ingredients nothing can stop me from working! and I do have all of this in some form or the other !!

Spotted this interesting categorisation of clients on freelanceswitch.com. Most of us who have had client interactions on a daily basis know exactly what this article talks about :)

Check it out.
12 Breeds of Clients & How to work with them.