Helping Alaskan Non-Profit Organizations to Enjoy–And Afford–the Very Best
Sometimes non-profit organizations feel that they are held together by duct tape. Sometimes they are.
In many instances they must complete their mission objectives with second-rate computers, systems, and promotional media. It doesn’t have to be that way.
At Ice Cave Technology I am employing some strategies to help non-profit organizations run their organization with world class tools.
SESA is an Anchorage-based organization tasked with providing resources and support to Alaskans responsible for educating special needs children. While they are certainly not operated on a shoestring, they are nevertheless vigilant to operate in a lean and muscular fashion. I am currently over-hauling their database system to utilize elite automation…the type of slick business processes that you typically only see in a fortunate 500 company. But more than that… I’m embedding this new system with system wide video training that will make it a no-brainer to train new employees.
Interactive Video Helps UAA Promote National Academic Model
It was a tremendous privilege to assist the University of Alaska this year as it sought wide national acceptance for its Student Learning Progress Model. The Model is already enjoying the participation of over 20 colleges and institutions across the country.
Dr. Gary Rice considers the SLPM his greatest life achievement. Dr. Rice is Vice Provost at UAA’s Office of Institutional Research. I first helped the University refine its core messages. I then conceived and produced 3d visualizations to assist Provosts, decision-makers and legislators better understand the shortcomings of the current graduation-centric model and the merits of a new metric for higher education.
The entire public portion of the media initiative can be seen here.
A new iPad2–Tool or Toy?
The best thing about being a creative professional is that I can justify the purchase of my favorite toys. It is absolutely true that I’ll be using my iPad 2 to test web sites and that I’ll be working on some new iOS apps.
But it’s also true that it feels like Christmas when I get a new tool. Lately I’ve been able to invest in Apple’s new MacBook Pro and now an iPad. I purchased the iPad last night, only two minutes after Apple’s website started taking orders.
Based on the news I’m one of a million early adopters of the new tablet. Merry Christmas everyone!
View from Alaska: Microsoft Offers Concession Speech for Mobile Segment
Steve Ballmer announced Microsoft’s strategy for mobile computers. It’s called Windows. Yes, you heard correctly: Microsoft wants you to run windows on your phones and tablets.
I think it will actually work…for 5% of the market.
There is always a crowd that stands at opposite poles from the the early adopter. These are the “wish-I-never-had-to-adopt-anything-new” crowd. For these folks, who were reluctantly corralled into learning to use a computer…such a device might be just their ticket.
I suggest Microsoft, fresh from Zune and MS Mobile failures…might be happy to carve out 5% moving forward. When I heard Ballmer’s speech: a see a white flag and hear a concession speech.
Dear Adobe: Wake up! Your Software Gets Buggier Every Year!
I am baffled by Adobe. Ever since Shantanu Narayen became CEO in 2007, they have been inexorably drifting into a gutter in terms of quality control. The mediocrity is so palpable I can’t see how it hasn’t registered the need for a corporate shake-up. I’ll provide specific examples of audacious laziness below. (more…)
Alaska 3D Artist: Marry CGI with Photography
These past few weeks I’ve been building a website for a medical alert product (You know, the “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” people). The ability to create 3d versions of their products has been a real asset. Another thing that’s made a big difference? Integrating 3d with photography. In this image I was able to build a wristband and pendant version of the product, that I married to some stock photography.