I'm going to be speaking at MEX User Experience Conference in May - you should come!!

The 5th annual MEX Mobile User Experience Conference & Awards
19th - 20th May 2009, WallaceSpace, London
www.pmn.co.uk/mex/

MEX is the two day strategy forum for the leading minds in mobile telecoms. At the heart of the conference is our 8 point manifesto for enhancing the mobile user experience. This is a blueprint for delivering better mobile products through a deeper understanding of customer requirements. You'll hear from the industry's most inspiring and provocative speakers and then work side-by-side with talented and creative individuals to define the user experience agenda for the next 12 months.

Delegate places are priced at GBP 1499. For further information and to book, please contact Marek Pawlowski at marekpawlowski@pmn.co.uk / +44 (0)7767 622957 or visit www.pmn.co.uk/mex/.

DMI Webinar: Design Leadership Series

On Wednesday 4th I participated in my first "webinar" - a surreal experience. 6000km away Valerie Jacobs of LPK Trends presented Seeing Around Corners: How Trend Forecasting Can Illuminate the Curves in the Road Ahead - meanwhile I was sat at my computer in Cambridge (I could have been naked) listening intently and typing questions about trends and design.

I asked how they translate trend forecasts into product forms. She answered that they identify the aesthetic implications of a forecast/scenario and visualise them on trend boards using relevant images. They then use these images to generate a set of design principles that design teams should follow when developing their products - be they specific lines, colours, mood, or reference objects. She also implied that these design principles should be considered as inspiration not gospel and should compliment the principles of the product brand.
(I would add that they should also enhance the functionality and technological content of the product.)