One simple trick about picking a vanity URL. Make it easy to recall.

Canon are currently running and advert for a new camera with some fandangle special effects technology - let's you defy gravity while sitting on the ground - however they have opted to use the product model no. in the URL. Um. Ok. What was it called again?

Perhaps something simple, akin to 'what it said on the tin' is more apt? How about canon.co.uk/tree? That would have done would it not?

Sure, it might not have stroked the ego of the marketing bods in that pitch meeting, but surely having someone remember the ad, then actually going to the site as a result, would have given the said people a conversion boner?

Recently stumbled across Johnny Holland, a great new interaction design site.  Amongst all their good stuff is this clip, which is proof that anybody can prototype and bring an idea to life.  This young fella knows what he wants his 'thing' to do and how it is going to do the doing.

"Informed design is essential", according to Bill Buxton, and the man does know a thing or two about designing user experiences.  One way to make sure your design is informed is to adopt and integrate a user centred design (UCD) process. Will Sansbury has pulled together a good little presentation explaining the steps involved in UCD.  The goal of UCD - ensure that what you produce will meet the needs of the intended audience.

So, two days since Google announced that they are releasing 100,000 preview invitations for Google Wave.  Now I am super, super keen to get my hands on one of these invites ever since watching the preview from Google I/O 2009. It seems I'm not the only one keen to get my hot little hands on this  cool, real-time collaboration tool.  Some entrepreneurial chap in the States decided to offer his invite up on eBay.   Two issues.  He didn't actually have an invite, and eBay reckoned he was violating terms of service.  A shame really as one Swedish guy was willing to part with $27,000.    The  current highest bid on other eBay auctions is $102.50 - a bargain in comparison. Not sure what Google Wave is?  Then check out the Google I/O 2009 preview below.  For those lucky enough to get an invite.  Share the love.