Thoughts on Tufte

I guess this is better late than never! Just over a month ago I had the opportunity to attend “Presenting Data and Information: A One-Day Course Taught By Edward Tufte.”

I absorbed a lot in this one day course and came back excited to apply some of these techniques into some of the different applications in which we present data and information here at TONIC.

I was lucky enough to pick up a print of a statistical graph poster of Napoleon’s march to Moscow. As described on Tufte’s website: “Probably the best statistical graphic ever drawn, this map by Charles Joseph Minard portrays the losses suffered by Napoleon’s army in the Russian campaign of 1812. Beginning at the Polish-Russian border, the thick band shows the size of the army at each position. The path of Napoleon’s retreat from Moscow in the bitterly cold winter is depicted by the dark lower band, which is tied to temperature and time scales.

I also jumped at some signed press sheets from some of Edward’s books. Check them out below:

-g

Designer Must Haves…….

Here are a few cool things we love at Tonic.

Moleskine Journals

It is two centuries now that moleskine has been the legendary notebook of European artists and intellectuals, from Van Gogh to Henri Matisse, from the exponents of the historical avant-garde movements to Ernest Hemingway.

They now have a new soft cover.

Alphabet Paperclips by Stephan Reed

ICU recycled readers

The Play-Doh Challenge

Did you know that September 18 is National Play-Doh Day? People have been innovating with Play-Doh since 1956, so the TONIC team decided to join in on the fun.

Check out our team’s creations:

Think you can build something even more innovative? Send us your Play-Doh creation photos at info@thinkTONIC.com and you could be featured on our blog!

Inspiration: Graffiti from Around the World

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Spotted! Tonic in San Francisco

National Simplify Your Life Week

The first week in August is “National Simplify Your Life Week.” We could all use a little simplifying, but the problem is, most of us have no idea where to start. Here are a few easy tips for making your life oh-so-much easier.

For the Financially Unorganized
Do you know where all of your receipts are right now? If the answer is “stuffed in my cup holder in my car,” that is not acceptable. Make your life easier when expense reports are due and keep track of your expenditures in this handy receipt catcher. Buy one here.

For the Business Travelers Who Always Lose Their Luggage
Nothing is worse than having to explain why you felt it was appropriate to wear the same outfit 5 days in a row on your business trip. It’s easy to prevent strangers from stealing your luggage. Just use these handy luggage tags that make it clear to others that you’re pretty sure that isn’t their bag. Get these great tags here.

For the Less Than Tech Savvy
Your computer freezes as you’re browsing the latest celebrity gossip on the web. Your boss will be walking by any moment. How did you fix this last time? Was it control+escape, no… alt+shift, no… your brain freezes. Your boss walks in. Deer in the headlights.

Next time you’ll be sure to log the easy fix in your Computer Log Handbook. Whether you often forget passwords, login names, troubleshooting tips or serial numbers, this computer log has the answers. So keep it handy. And get back to work.

Find one here.

For the Low-Man on the Totem Pole
You know who you are. You walk into a 4:00 meeting confident that you’ll be home by 5:00. But it never fails–you’re always delegated at least 5 more hours of work for the day. Don’t worry; your time will come. In the meantime, don’t look like a fool by carrying out 20 folders, 3 binders, and a huge stack of paper. Bring your keychain instant carryall that opens up into a 20″ x 18″ bag. Plus, it’s eco-friendly! Get yours here.

For the Employee Who Just Tries to Appear Busy
Sometimes you may be so busy trying to pretend you’re important that you, yourself, even forget what is actually important. Don’t worry. These handy folders will help you clarify which documents are urgent, and which ones are, well, just there for job security.

Grab one here.

10 Reasons to Vote in 2008

AIGA held a design competition to create posters that inspire people to participate in the upcoming Presidential election. Here are a few of our favorites:

To see more entries, and for more information on each of the entries above, including artist name and location, please visit http://www.aiga.org/content.cfm/get-out-the-vote

Happy Birthday to Cube

I typically like to celebrate birthdays.  I like ice cream, candles, and I LOVE birthday cake.  But today I don’t feel like celebrating.  It’s Cubicle’s 40th birthday, and frankly, I’m downright annoyed.

When the Herman Miller designers created the “Action Office,” I don’t think they envisioned how the cubicle would take over corporate America.  The original Action Office design featured larger, more private workspaces that promoted productivity and good health and posture.  Somewhere, someone figured out that it’s possible to make the Action Office workspaces a fourth of the size to save costs.

At TONIC, we despise traditional cubes.  We try to promote an open and collaborative working environment, which we believe leads to ultimate creativity.  Here are a few office spaces that we really like:

Even if you can’t afford trendy, modern furniture, there are a few things you can do to spice up your workspace beyond a giant paperweight and an annual kitten calendar:

Kid Robot Toys. You’ll find at least one Kid Robot toy at every desk at TONIC.  Prices start at $5.95.  Buy one here.

A Sweet Poster. Grant really likes this slightly nerdy poster found at My Little Underground.  Buy a set of 3 prints for $12 here.

Bring the Outdoors Inside. I personally enjoy having a plant or flower on my desk to brighten my workspace.  Orchids can last for weeks or months without direct sunlight and minimal maintenance (I kill all plants—mine lived practically maintenance-free for 3 months).  I bought mine at the local Bristol Farms for about $10-15.

Mousepad Notepads. Who needs a bunch of paper cluttering up their desk?  Consolidate your mousepad and notepad with this geometric mousepad by Galison.  Buy one here for $9.

Hedgehog Magnetic Paperclip Holder. This cute magnetic paperclip holder comes in black, pink or green.  Buy one here for $23.

Do you have ideas for brightening up your workspace?  Send us your ideas at info@thinkTONIC.com and you could be featured on our blog!

Consumer Power

Carrotmob Makes It Rain from carrotmob on Vimeo.