Bloggin in London: September 2006

World Usability Day 2006

Spread the word! Yes, the World Usability Day 2006 will fall on November 14th.

So what is 'World Usability Day' all about? Well, as the title suggest, it is an awareness drive on usability.

"It promotes the values and benefits of usability engineering and user centered design, because everyone has the right to have things that work better. The world is a better place when they do."

Let's get active and participate either by promoting this event, or volunteering for the event.

100% Design and Royal China

The 100% Design Exhibition is back in London. The DDA & the Finn visited this exhibition last year with an architect friend Jason who resides in Newcastle.

This year, all of us gathered again, with an additional companion - Luca - who is a designer. Luca is a structural engineer, architect, industrial designer all rolled into one.

Luca was rather disappointed at the lack of new emerging materials exhibit where he could explore. There was though a small section of existing materials, but it was rather small.

The Finn was rather surprised to see that some exhibitors came back with the same designs, but only different layouts of their stands if they even make an effort.

The DDA walked away having this little survey message posting in her mind still at this time of the day despite she is a little under the weather. It was a 'Sustainability' survey carried out at the exhibition, collecting the public's idea of what sustainability means to them, or what it should be. This particular message went something like this:
"This 100% Design exhibit contradicts the idea of sustainability!"
Hmm... it sparks quite a few question marks in the DDA's head. What a critical comment indeed. Perhaps too harsh? Design can be sustainable, can it not? More research and study needed on this topic!

After the exhibition, the company of four headed off for some Chinese food at Royal China 皇朝 based in Baker Street. This is one of the few Royal China restaurants dotted across London. The DDA finds this Baker Street branch offers great food combined with wonderful service in a nice dinning atmosphere. We'll definitely visit again despite the price range is slightly higher than other restaurants, the quality food & the service was well worth it.

Henna - 3rd day

This is how the Henna painting looks like on a 3rd day - this is after the Henna paint dried off over the night & peeled off.

Henna Painted Hand

The DDA went to attend a Mendhi party last evening. The Mendhi party is somewhat similar to a Western Hen Night party, but of course since this is a Pakistani wedding they're preparing for, there was no alcohol involved!

The Mendhi party involves all girl and lady friends or relatives of the bride. Everyone gathers and catch up, dine, sing for the bride, and of course get their hands and feet painted with Henna art.

This is the DDA's Henna painted hand. The Henna artist is really good at her job!

Singapore Dreaming

The DDA wants to watch this Singaporean production - 美满人生 Singapore Dreaming. It's the kind of movie that captures the basic essence of life, reminds us to review what we are after, or perhaps move you into a soul searching journey. Now it is time to gather the resources and locate that film!

There is still the big question mark hanging around in the back of the DDA's mind. More inspiration... found at Etsy. What is the real DDA dream?

On the other hand, the Finn has discovered a very nice tea.

Yes, the Finn, like the DDA is also a tea drinker. Just that the DDA drinks herbal infusions mostly. The Finn prefers his milky tea. So discovering BOH was a pleasant experience on a Sunday afternoon.

Saree

The Saree is ready! The blouse is very neat and cleverly tailored. And the under skirt altered to the right length.

The DDA had to return to the shop she got the saree from and ask for help to demonstrate putting on the saree.

At home, DDA practices putting it on again: