Max Engel - the 8BitKid » design

Xbox’s New Swiveling D-Pad Controller Redesign

8BitKid — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:43:45 +0000

I love my Xbox 360, but when it comes to games that require using the D-Pad, I always opt for my PS3. The Playstation controller has better ergonomics for D-Pad-optimized games like fighters, classic titles, etc.

This is why i am intrigued by Microsoft’s new swiveling controller redesign. The new D-Pad can be rotated 90 degrees to change it from being a concave pad to a more pronounced cross. My only hesitation about picking one up when it launches on November 9th is the steep $64.99 price point.

Lego on Openness, Co-creation, and Innovation

8BitKid — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:25:29 +0000

This video features Conny Kalcher, the VP of Consumer Experience at Lego, discussing the company’s philosophy on working with the community. It is refreshing to hear an executive extolling the benefits of working with fans and embracing a philosophy of openness. I think this outlook is what help keeps Lego fresh and sets them apart from other toy companies.

Presentation On Social Ties and How We Form and Structure Friend Groups

8BitKid — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:34:38 +0000

While I try not to venture off-theme when blogging, sometimes there is something so amazing that I just want to share it. This is one of those times. Paul Adams, a user experience researcher at Google, gave the presentation embedded below. It provides an illuminating look into how we tend to naturally organize our groups of friends into buckets and offers insight into the levels of friendship we tend to have.

This should be required reading for anyone who works on the internet, since he outlines the influencing factors that should guide any web product being built. However, much of this will be fascinating to anyone interested in sociology and wants to learn more about how we structure our social lives, online or off.

Panasonic Note Headphones’ Beautiful Packaging

8BitKid — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:45:13 +0000

Panasonic is using a gorgeous and simple design for the packaging of these headphones. I found this on Lovely Package, which you should definitely check if you are into these sorts of things.

Cupmen 2: The Ramen Top-Holder and Temperature Gauge

8BitKid — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 18:15:14 +0000

As a fan of ramen, I’ve been struggling with how to best keep the top down to keep the heat in since middle school.The “Cupmen 2″ is an ingenious product that not only keeps the lid sealed, but it also tells you the temperature via some snazzy color-changing. As a bonus, it looks pretty awesome. You can read more about it here.

Jet Set Radio Future Wall Decals

8BitKid — Wed, 19 May 2010 20:55:40 +0000

LTL Prints feature a wide selection of wall decals to fit about any personality. Luckily for me, they carry a great selection of video game artwork from some great games, including Jet Set Radio Future. I’m still waiting for a followup to the fantastic XBox title, but in the meantime, maybe I’ll pick up one of these to tide me over. You can see all of the JSRF wall graphics here.

Amazing Mega Man 10 Art

8BitKid — Tue, 04 May 2010 19:03:45 +0000

Capcom did a very cool thing with their first return to the 8-bit glory of Mega Man when they enlisted the artist Gerald de Jesus to create new “box art” for the download that evoked the vibe of the original Mega Man box art from the 80′s. Fans loved the treatments, and so Capcom commissioned more work for the relatively-newly-released Mega Man 10. Here are the new graphics, which include many favorite characters from the series. You can read more about it on the Capcom blog here.

An Uber-Exclusive Vinyl Toy

8BitKid — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:37:48 +0000

Huck Gee, one of my favorite current artists around, is putting his latest vinyl creation up for sale this Friday at noon (PST). There are only 10 figures in this set, and grabbing one will cost you a cool $800. however, i have little doubt that these will sell out like hot cakes. If you are looking for an amazing unique expense, check it out: Huck’s blog with info on the item and sale

The Font Conference

8BitKid — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:25:19 +0000

A great video from College Humor. The old newspaper editor in me loves this. I know it isn’t Friday, but I was up all night with the workies, and this is the best my brain can handle.

“Instant Couture” in Pictures

8BitKid — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:47:06 +0000

Recently I attended an event dubbed “Instant Couture” at Royal T, a new maid cafe in the style of those in Japan. Royal T recently opening in Culver City, and is definitely worth checking out. It offers a highly tailored visual aesthetic that combines an art gallery with a tea bar that happens to feature hostesses donned in maid outfits. If you are a Murakami fan, you’ll definitely appreciate the vibe and style.

The event itself featured Jean Paul Yamamoto doing “improvised sewing”, where garb was crafted in real-time and then put on display in the ad-hoc fashion show that was accompanied by a live DJ. As you can see below, these outfits aren’t going to be hanging in my closet, but it was an interesting way to experience this space for the first time.